Understanding How Sex Addiction Can Affect Family Dynamics

According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, there are about 12 million adults with sex addiction in the U.S. Often referred to as hypersexuality; sex addiction is described as a preoccupation with sexual urges and fantasies.

From work to relationships and even health, hypersexuality can negatively impact aspects of an individual’s life. Sex addiction may not only affect the person struggling with the disorder but may also impact those close to them, like the spouse or partner, children, parent and other close relatives.

Here are some of the impacts that sex addiction can have on family bonds:

Infidelity

The overwhelming desire to engage in sexual activity may lead the sex addict to be unfaithful to their partner, who may lose both personal and sexual confidence and trust in their partner.  

Financial Recklessness

The individual may spend enormous amounts of money on pornography, phone sex, sex clubs, etc. Because sex addiction may also lead to neglecting their work responsibilities, the disorder may also lead to a loss of income.  

Negligence

The individual may ignore their responsibilities at home and work or break promises they’ve made to family members. Their hypersexual behavior may pose health dangers, occupational risks and legal consequences to themselves and others.  

Unpredictability  

Sex addicts may disregard the costs and consequences of their actions to get what they want. They may do whatever it takes to satisfy their yearnings, leading them to behave erratically and act on impulse. This recklessness can be destructive, resulting in high-risk sexual activities that may be illegal and dangerous.

Seeking Professional Treatment

Because of the complexities of sex addiction or compulsive sexual behavior disorder, a professional with the proper training should lead the treatment. The Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) program certifies practitioners to treat people with Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD). CSATs gain intensive training and access to valuable tools, giving them—and their patients—a distinct advantage over uncertified sex addiction therapists.

With eight therapists certified, Communicare currently holds the only CSAT certifications in North Mississippi. Contact us to learn more about our family services and sex addiction treatment programs.

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