These patients not only endanger themselves but also put their loved ones at risk for AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Sexual addiction often coexists with chemical dependency, and untreated sexual addiction contributes to relapse to chemical use. Through their addiction, they may injure themselves physically, experience psychological distress, lose their livelihood, and ruin meaningful relationships. However, about 3% to 6% of Americans have sexual addiction(1). For most people, sex enhances the quality of life. The author explains how to spot addicts and coaddicts among your patients. Even though they realize the consequences, they cannot control their compulsions without appropriate treatment. Addicts may jeopardize their marriage and family relationships, allow their job performance to deteriorate, and endanger themselves and their partner through multiple sexual exposures.

VOL 90/N0 6/NOVEMBER 1, 1991/POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE - SEXUAL ADDICTION Preview:Īddiction to sexual activities can be just as destructive as addiction to chemical substances. How to recognize the signs of sexual addictionĪsking the right questions may uncover serious problems