Sex addiction is not a real disease.
In fact, it’s not even a disorder—it’s just a term that we use to describe people who have problems with sex. It’s time to stop calling it “sex addiction” and start talking about what’s really going on.
Despite recent progress in sex education and a more positive attitude about sexuality, there are still many myths about sex. For example: If you’re kinky, this means that you were abused as a child. Using a vibrator will damage your clitoris and turn you off to partnered sex. An STI can be contracted by using a public toilet seat. The list goes on…
Why are people so hard for the term “sex addiction”?
It’s no secret that sex addiction is a controversial topic. But why?
According to Moushumi Ghose, a licensed sex therapist, it’s because we live in a culture that over-focuses and over-emphasizes addiction, and sexuality is no different. In fact, there are many private “sex addiction” facilities that are really more like retreats for the rich and famous.
“The difference between an addiction and an obsession is whether or not you can control your behavior,” says Ghose. “Understanding the difference between healthy sexual desire and unhealthy sexual desire is key.”
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Caitlin Oates
Author
Doubling as LAST’s practice manager and intake coordinator, Caitlin is a writer and creative with a passion for sex-positivity, LGBTQIA advocacy, and mental health care.
Caitlin earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Northwestern University, and now flexes those communication muscles by teaching medical students humanism skills, coaching athletes in functional fitness, and learning from and working with LAST to promote, amplify, and normalize the importance of sexual and mental health.