Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Because of the stigmas often associated with sexual addiction, there can be many misunderstandings about this intimacy disorder. Many people might assume that this is simply about a lack of control or an overwhelming desire to engage in stimulating or pleasurable activities.
However, the reality is that individuals who struggle with sexual addiction experience severe consequences that will negatively impact their lives and loved ones in multiple ways. A sexual addiction has the potential to decrease overall quality of life and cause a person to suffer with physical, mental, emotional, social and psychological consequences.
While many of the side effects resulting from sexual addiction can be reversed with treatment and recovery, some of the side effects from sexual addiction can be chronic and lasting. Some of the chronic side effects of sexual addiction can range from broken relationships to complicated health risks and issues.
Consequences
For example, an individual who has persistently acted out in hypersexual activity or excessive sexual practices may have suffered the end of many relationships, either with a partner or spouse who was in a committed relationships, or even with loved ones who can no longer tolerate these behaviors.
A person dealing with sexual addiction may also incur severe health complications that resulted from hypersexual behaviors, including sexual transmitted diseases, HIV, Aids, and others that can take a lifetime to manage.
Other complications and side effects can include a number of potential social, legal, and occupational consequences, such as the loss of a career or job, financial ruin, and more.
The good news is that with treatment and professional care, a life can gradually be rebuilt and restored. Continuing on in the behaviors associated with sexual addiction will only prolong and worsen the consequences that may result, making it much more difficult to find any type of restoration in life.
If you or a loved one has been suffering with sexual addiction and chronic side effects as a result of this intimacy disorder, please do not wait to see out the help and care you need to begin rebuilding your life.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
What do you think are some of the chronic side effects that may result from sexual addiction?
Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on November 17, 2015
Published on AddictionHope.com