Myths & Facts: Sex & Porn Addiction
Sex and Porn Addiction: Explained
Sex and porn addiction are often highly stigmatized & misunderstood disorders. Sex addiction is NOT a blanket label to be used for any sexual behavior that is not aligned with one’s’ personal or religious morals and values. Sex addiction is also NOT a diagnosis to excuse sexual misconduct to reduce stigma, judgement, or legal consequences.
Sex and porn addiction ARE ONLY diagnosed after thorough evaluation by a qualified mental health professional who can ensure the specific diagnostic criteria is sufficiently met, such as a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT). The criteria for diagnosing sex and porn addiction is similar to other substance use and addictive disorders because the brain’s reward system is functioning in the same manner. Continue reading to better understand the facts about sex and porn addiction.
Common myths and facts about sex and porn addiction:
MYTH: Sex addiction only applies to males
FACT: Females suffer from sex addiction too. Research shows females with sex addiction will speak about their behavioral issues as it relates to relationships, rather than sex. However, women can be sex addicts just as much as men can.
MYTH: Sex addicts are enjoying their sex life
FACT: The amount of shame, depression, anxiety, and destruction to one’s life and level of functioning reported by sex and porn addicts is very similar to people with addiction to drugs and alcohol. Sex addiction has significant negative consequences. Sex becomes an unhealthy, shame-filled act causing financial, physical, relational, professional, and in some cases legal issues. Sex addiction is vicious cycle NOT an enjoyable, healthy, or “fun time”.
MYTH: Sex addiction excuses bad sexual behavior
FACT: Part of the reason for diagnosing any disorder is to help create a framework for treatment. Treatment for sex and porn addiction requires the person to face the negative consequences their addiction has caused. Taking accountability for their actions and making amends when possible is fundamental to the healing process. Excuses play no part in sex and porn addiction treatment, quite the opposite.
MYTH: Sex addiction is the spouse’s fault
FACT: Sex addiction has nothing to do with their partner or how much sex they are having with them, or not. Though sex addicts may claim their addiction is due to lack of sex with their partner—this is purely denial, not fact. There is no diagnostic criterion for sex addiction that includes spouses or partners.
MYTH: Sex Addicts are also Sex Offenders
FACT: Sex addiction and sex offenders are two very different categories. They are not interchangeable terms as addiction does not mean offending. Similar to how the term ‘alcoholic’ does not mean illegally driving under the influence. It is possible for a sex addict to engage in sexually offending behavior. However, most sex addicts do not become sex offenders. Sex offending is strictly a legal term determined only in the court of law.
MYTH: Sex & Porn Addiction is related to Sexual Orientation
FACT: Sex and porn addiction does not depend on sexual orientation whatsoever. Arousal patterns, including who or even what turns a person on, is not what defines sex addiction. LGBTQIA+ and hetero-sexual persons are all susceptible to sex addiction.
MYTH: Sex & Porn Addicts stem from fetishes or paraphilia
FACT: Again, sex and porn addiction are not defined by who or what turns a person on. Nontraditional sexual interests such as kinks, fetishes, and paraphilia have nothing to do with sex addiction. You can have nontraditional sex interests and never have an addiction to sex and/or porn.
Hopefully, through reading through these common misconceptions about sex and porn addiction, you have a better understanding of these disorders. Our team at The Kraft Group is highly experienced and trained in working with sex and porn addiction, including couples/family therapy and betrayal trauma for partners. If you or someone you know is struggling with sex or porn addiction and would like to learn more, please email or call us today.