Sexual addiction, desire and dopamine hits

Not all sex addicts are sexual predators – many are just struggling to contain their destructive urges. Andrew Anthony meets addicts and therapists to hear how they cope with this secretive pandemic

Of the many alleged victims of the film producer Harvey Weinstein, perhaps the most overlooked and least sympathised with are so-called sex addicts. They may not have directly suffered at his hands, but in their own way they have felt a harsh blowback from his actions.

When the damning testimonies of sexual abuse began to pile up, Weinstein denied allegations of non-consensual sex but did admit to a problem and is believed to have sought sanctuary – and treatment – at the Meadows, an upmarket sex addiction rehabilitation centre in Arizona.

The aim is for residents to 'gain the courage to face difficult issues'

Debate about whether or not sex addiction is a clinically accepted condition misses the point

His world fell apart. Within days he was dismissed, ostracised by his community

In nearly all cases the entry point, the gateway drug as it were, is pornography

Related: 'Sex addiction can happen to anyone': author Erica Garza sheds light on a female taboo

You don’t want to become a victim, but sex addicts are victims, too

Continue reading... April 22, 2018 at 12:30PM