You may not realize it, but women can suffer from sex addiction too.
In fact, the number of women who are seeking treatment for this addiction is on the rise.
The addiction is a sensitive enough subject for men, but social norms can make it even more challenging for a woman.
Overcoming feelings of guilt, shame and embarrassment can be extremely difficult for women struggling with sex addiction and recovery.
Therapists, ministers and other professional in the field have women coming to them with a wide range of questions regarding their sex addiction.
The following are just a few of them: 1.
Why am I struggling with a sex addiction? Society tends to downplay the sexuality of women.
However, women have sexual desires just like men, so it is easy to understand that they can become addicted to sex, just as men can.
The causes of sex addiction are very complex and are believed to be similar to the causes of alcohol and drug addiction.
The brain naturally releases chemicals to the body to provide pleasure as a result of sexual activity.
In some cases, women can become dependent on that chemical response to the point that it becomes a compulsion.
Women, just like men, sometimes use sexual activity as a coping mechanism or an escape from emotional duress such as stress, depression or spiritual emptiness.
The female addict uses sexual activity to fill a void and she becomes dependent on it over time.
2.
How do I tell if I just have a powerful sex drive or a real sex addiction? Women can have sex drives just as strong as their male counterparts.
Sometimes it can be hard for a woman to know if she just has a healthy appreciation for sexual activity or if she is truly addicted.
The main determinant of an addiction is the craving to repeatedly engage in sexual thoughts and activities.
If she feels satisfied after engaging in sexual thoughts or activities, hers is a normal reaction.
However, if she is already thinking about the next time, she is on the way to addiction.
Another indicator of addiction is the need to escalate and intensify the sexual behavior.
Therefore it isn't as complicated as it might seem to differentiate between a healthy sex drive and an addiction.
3.
I love to masturbate.
Does this mean I could be headed towards sex addiction? While masturbation is a common sex activity, it doesn't necessarily mean a woman has a sexual addiction simply because she enjoys masturbating.
Men and women both often experience their first sexual activity through masturbation, usually during adolescence and for many, into adulthood.
Masturbation is a normal, healthy sexual activity.
However, when it becomes a repeated compulsion, it can be a sign of a deeper problem in both sexes.
If the woman's life begins to revolve around sexual fantasies, pornography and masturbation, then that is when a normal activity has crossed the line into addiction.
4.
How can I recover from sex addiction? Sex addiction is treated in much the same way drug and alcohol addiction are treated, except with the sex addict the goal is not abstinence but rather a healthy lifestyle.
Treatment for sex addiction involves individual, couples and group therapy throughout the entire long and difficult recovery process to overcome the woman's feelings of extreme guilt, shame and embarrassment as a result of her addiction.
The support and understanding of loved ones throughout the recovery is very important if she is to lead a healthy, balanced sex life.
5.
I've pushed my husband, boyfriend or sexual partner away from me as a result of my addiction.
Is there a way to help him heal with me? There are many ways that you can help your partner recover from the trauma of being in a relationship with a sex addict.
The emotions of this estranged person often include anger, confusion, isolation and guilt.
Treatment programs typically include the partner as a part of the overall recovery process.
Couples therapy and individual therapy will help him recover from the trauma.
In some cases the entire process can bring you closer to your partner.
COSA is a twelve step recovery program for men and women whose lives have been affected by another person's compulsive sexual behavior.