Although most people consider harmful substances such as alcohol or drugs when they think of addiction, the reality is that it is possible to become addicted to almost anything. Addiction is characterised by the inability to abstain from a particular substance or activity even when doing so has a negative impact on a person’s life. It is possible, therefore, for individuals to be addicted to things such as love or sex; in fact, this is a growing problem for many throughout the UK.
Sex addiction is described as any out-of-control sexual activity. Sex addiction has been the butt of many jokes over the years, with some people believing that it is just something that others use as an excuse for having an affair or for wanting to have a lot of sex. However, for those affected, this is a very real problem and one that can have devastating consequences.
A sex addiction can involve sex with a partner, masturbation, visiting prostitutes, watching pornography, or using sex chat lines. While these activities are harmless when done in moderation, those with a sex addiction will become obsessed to the point where this activity affects everyday life. Sex addictions can have a devastating impact on a person’s relationships, work life, and finances.
Sex addiction is one of the most difficult addictions for partners of those affected to cope with. It is often seen as the ultimate betrayal by spouses who feel hurt by the fact that their partner could have such an addiction without them knowing.
A love addiction is characterised by a need to feel loved. Those affected may become obsessed with the idea of being in love and will go to extraordinary lengths to please their partners, even if it causes negative consequences in their personal life.
Love addiction is an attachment disorder in which the sufferer becomes dependent on the attention of a romantic partner. Those affected often suffer from low self-esteem and believe that they are worthless if they are not in a relationship.
Sex addicts tend to display certain characteristics, which can include:
A person with a love addiction may display the following characteristics:
As with all addictions, sex and love addictions can affect anyone. Nevertheless, some people are more predisposed to developing an addiction than others are. Certain risk factors can mean a person is more likely, but not certain, to develop an addiction. Below are a few examples:
At Liberty House Clinic, we understand that the cause of a sex or love addiction can be quite complex. However, we also know that it is necessary to get to the root of the issue and deal with this because that is the most effective way for the patient to move forward.
We have a team of counsellors, therapists and psychiatrists with expertise in sex and love addictions who can help you to overcome your problem so that you can move forward to live a healthy and fulfilling life without being controlled by your compulsive behaviours.
We use a variety of treatments, including cognitive behavioural therapy and holistic approaches designed to ensure that every patient has the tools required to overcome his or her addiction. For more information on how Liberty House Clinic can help you, contact us today.