I think sexual addiction is a useful way to get past whatever your problems are and might even become a cottage industry before long; I am sure firms are popping up everywhere to deal the problems of the wealthy.  Whatever addiction is your drug of choice, be clear that most anything has multiple factors weighing in on the person. Like Magic Johnson and HIV, Tiger's case kept the notion in the headlines for months and continues to a standard bearer for when someone gets caught. I don't think Charlie Sheen cares and I doubt he'll be copping to sexual addiction unless of course it would keep him from going to jail. He loves providers and wants to pay top dollar unless of course he loses his wallet.

We tend to try shit that is designed to make it easier for the people to put their heads around, but in the end, all addiction is about some form of behavior that can easily stopped with the right consequences. Whether one opts for drug therapy, psychotherapy, behavioral counseling or some combination of all three, you can bet there's a money trail not far away.

to anything whether it be sex, alcohol or TV reality shows.

I just hope that there isn't a "Well, if you see a prostitute you must be addicted." mentality to this movement.

Sex is probably less addictive than all the chemical substances that people get hooked on; and no one considers a social drinker to be addicted.

If you can afford it, and you are comfortable with your choice (I.e., don't feel compelled against your wishes.) then the hobby is a perfectly wholesome and healthy way to relax and enjoy the company of another person.

Dear Love Goddess:
But how would you determine and define addiction? Would it be by the frequency that one would see prostitutes? Would it be by their lack of social and psychological development in cultivating relationships with those of the opposite sex? Would it be why a person has a preference to commercial sex as opposed to a traditional civilian relationship? Would it be someone who has an extremely hedonistic personality and libidinal activity is a primary way in which he satisfies his needs? Would it be someone who has a willing partner or a relationship alternative but still prefers to be in the commercial sex market? These are all justifiable questions when one would want to address the myriad of reasons why we would gravitate to women in this demimond.

regarding what constitutes an addiction in general. See link.

Is addiction to sex real or just a myth?

And if real, what parameters define it for you?

Are you contrasting compulsion and addiction, and if so, what features define each?

If not, then what is your point?

Now LG, are these dirty moneybags with lots of caiiish sitting on the sidelines trying to get into your field of business?! I loathe these A-Holes!!!

-- Modified on 11/15/2010 12:49:33 PM

It is with good reason that it is not in the DSM4. There are also no plans to put it in the DSM5, currently bring revised and scheduled for publication in 2013.

Some people suffer from various compulsions, but the defining characteristic of a compulsion is that the person wants to stop the behavior, but is unable to.





-- Modified on 11/15/2010 3:31:42 PM

... seeing prostitutes *at all* is considered evidence of sex addiction.

The reason is because seeing a prostitute is considered an extremely high-risk sexual activity. The folks who define these things don't draw fine-pointed distinctions between different sorts of prostitutes, etc.

Of course, I think they are full of crap.

A defining characteristic of clinical addiction is the presence of physical withdrawal symptoms when the person goes "cold turkey".  Except by an exaggeration, this does not happen with so-called "sex addicts".

This is not a required criteria for clinically-defined "compulsion".

Then there are the non-clinical definitions for "addiction" and "compulsion", which are looser.

It is damned confusing for sure. I've come to believe most people suffer from compulsions or one kind or another.  We're just an addictive species and I think you're right that the true definition of compulsion and addiction is a distinction without a difference.  I've worked with heroin addicts, known other addicts of various kinds, had a step-child who claimed to be a cross-addicted addict/alcoholic, had an aunt who died of alcoholism and a cousin who died of a heroin overdose.  I drink too much.  Sometimes I eat too much.  I have a craving for sex at age 64 that's overpowering. Most of us, to one extent or another, battle cravings for food, cigarettes,etc. all our lives.  Who cares how it's defined for the purposes of medical insurance.  We are all slaves to our cravings.  Party on, Wayne!  Party on, Garth!

sex addict.  I'm in Vegas and have had sexual relations 4 days in a row ......... and I have another appointment set for tomorrow.  Please help me! errr, uhhh, hold on a moment ........... on a second thought, please don't send help, I'm doing just fine! " LOL - Actual voice mail I had left for my bro, informing him how my recent trip to Vegas was going.