Addiction to Love and Sex
An addiction to love and sex is characterised by a compulsive use of chatlines, love, masturbation, pornography, prostitutes, or sex. People with an addiction often feel it is out of control. In the UK, 1 in 4 adults view internet pornography (IOS). For one person, this may indicate a more liberal attitude towards sex among the UK population, for another it may contribute to the break up a relationship with a partner who is addicted to internet pornography.
The symptoms of an addiction to love and sex include anxiety, financial problems, isolation, a sense of powerlessness, personal relationship problems, remorse and shame. Addictions can be hard to acknowledge as people with addictions are often in denial, despite the problems their addictions bring to themselves and those around them. Addicted people often hit an impassable crisis before they will accept they have an addiction and seek appropriate help for it.
In The Spectator magazine Sean Thomas described how his addiction to internet pornography landed him in hospital. He detailed how he proceeded from an initial attitude of indifference to an increasing interest in pornography websites, and how this led to health deterioration and sleep deprivation which resulted in him attending an A&E department. At this point he decided he was an addict, but discovered later that many of his male friends identified with his behaviour.
Addiction to love and sex is a relatively recent term and therefore research is lacking. But the causes of addiction to love and sex, like other addictions, are believed to include adolescence issues, childhood issues, depression, identity issues, obsessiveness, self-esteem issues, and sexual abuse. If you are concerned about a problem do not diagnose yourself. Always consult your GP or a therapist who is qualified to both diagnose the issue and help you work through it.
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