Besides being absolutely ridiculous, there are a number of reasons why the concept of sex addiction is nothing more than a fabrication.
First, a basic issue with sex addiction is the term itself. The word “addiction” is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). This handbook for mental health professionals uses the term “dependence” instead.
Second, an addiction, such as to alcohol or tobacco, is a physiological dependence. Deprived of a fix, an addict has physiological reactions, like increased heart rate or the sweats. Physiological changes take place — changes that a “sex addict” does not experience when denied sex. Thus, the addiction label is quite deceptive.
Third, who has the right to set the standards as far as what’s “frequent” or “out of control”? We’re all sexually unique when it comes to what we do and how often. Yet this movement seems to think that we can put a fixed number on our sexual activity. Unbelievably, they also see it as their right to enforce cookie-cutter criteria when it comes to sexual pursuits.
Lastly, another major issue with sex addiction is that it denies the “dark” side of healthy sexuality. This includes the major desire components of sex, such as:
— The “bad” fantasies people have;
— The ability to enjoy sex without being in love;
— The lust for power during sexual exchanges;
— The wanton sexual expectations people have from time to time.
What’s infuriating is that there is nothing wrong with these components of healthy sexuality, as long as the interaction between two lovers is informed and consensual.
But, despite being hogwash, sex addiction is catching on, thanks to its evangelists’ Jerry Springer-worthy stories.
Often in recovery themselves, self-proclaimed addictionologists love generalizing their own problems to all. Playing upon one’s sexual ignorance, they dish out the sordid details of how sex hijacked their lives, making them steal, do drugs and visit prostitutes. Engrossed and mortified, the public buys it — even though there’s no data supporting that this can happen to just anyone.
Falling victim to the movement are those with the greatest shame around sex. In distancing themselves from their sex guilt, they embrace their sex addiction “diagnosis.” They’re not at fault for their sexual impulses and desires. Something else is – their addiction! The safety of this powerlessness becomes their crutch. Now they can say, “That’s my addiction talking.” You know what I’m talking about. We’ve seen this happen too many times with major public figures.
The thing is, humans do have the ability to control how they express their sexual impulses, including not doing so. Being out of control isn’t the issue for most “sex addicts.” It’s being in control that’s causing pain.
The ultimate price of this sex addiction ploy is that a person’s true “dilemma” with his or her sexuality and sex life fails to be properly assessed. In trivializing one’s sexual desires, the need for real therapy becomes a tragically missed opportunity.
Yes, there are a handful of cases where someone does have a problem – when their sexual activities are deemed more important than their relationships, work, finances, etc. But these situations are rare. And the issue isn’t sex; it’s something else.
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