Sexual addicts are not just people with an overactive sex-drive. A sexual addict engages in frequent and increasingly dangerous patterns of sexual behavior without any regard to the negative consequences to themselves and others around them. Contrary to popular belief, sexually addiction isn’t an addiction to sex itself, but rather an addiction to the neuro-chemical changes that take place in the body during sexual behavior.

This is very similar to how a drug addict becomes hooked on the effects of smoking crack cocaine, injecting themselves with heroin, or other drug abuse.

Most of the population would agree that sex is an inherently pleasurable activity. The sex addict however, relies on it as a comfort from pain, stress or other problems. This is very similar to how an alcoholic abuses alcohol to deal with problems, stress, etc. It wasn’t until the late 1970’s that sexual addiction was considered a legitimate condition. It is still rarely talked about or discussed, which may be why so many addicts have a problem understanding their disease and finding treatment.

t has been estimated that about 8% of men and 3% of women in the U.S. are sexually addicted. That adds up to about 15 million men and women suffering from this disease.

Sexual addiction comes in many different forms and often escalates from one sexual behavior to another. Compulsive masturbation, sex with prostitutes, anonymous sex with multiple partners, affairs outside a committed relationship, exhibitionism, voyeurism, inappropriate touching, and other unacceptable sexual behavior are some of the behaviors a sex addict may be engaging in.

What many people find startling is that sex addicts don’t necessarily enjoy sex more than other people. The sex addict is compelled to act out sexually, usually without any understanding of why they are doing so. A sex addict usually has self-esteem issues, depression, or other underlying problems that are attempting to be masked by sexual gratification. The constant need for excitement takes the focus off of the addict’s internal pain – just like a drug. Even the shame that inevitable follows each sexual encounter isn’t enough to stop a sex addict from their destructive behavior.

If you think that you may have a problem with sexual addiction, you need to find a treatment program and expert medical help as soon as possible. All though it may not be well-known, there are many treatment options available for sex addicts. Counselors, group therapy, treatment and rehabilitation centers, are just a few of the options that you have available to get started on your path to recovery. If you want to find treatment near you, find a good online guide that can help you locate treatment options in your area.