compulsivity, continuation despite consequences, and obsession are three criteria which have been put forth by researchers to define this condition. individuals afflicted may suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder, narcissistic or histrionic personality disorders, or manic-depressiveness.
patrick carnes laid out the following four steps to sexual addiction (source wikipedia):
- “I am basically a bad, unworthy person.”
- “No one would love me as I am.”
- “My needs are never going to be met if I have to depend on others.”
- “Sex is my most important need.”
the behavior is commonly brought on by unresolved feelings of shame, anger or unresolved conflict. this ritualized, life-interrupting need for sexual conquest is an attempt to resolve these feelings in an unhealthy way.
anyway, thanks for letting me bring this insidious, tough-to-confront problem to your attention
it’s the least i could do
