It’s not easy to recognize when you have a problem that needs addressing. This is especially true for men who struggle with sexual behavior issues. Often, these issues are lumped into one category—sexual addiction—when, in fact, there is a difference between sexual addiction and inappropriate sexual compulsion behavior. Knowing the difference is critical to being able to effectively address the issue and get help. Let’s break it down.
What is Sexual Addiction?
Sexual addiction is an addiction like any other; it involves compulsively engaging in behaviors that are damaging or have the potential to be damaging. The behaviors can range from simply viewing pornography to more serious behaviors such as visiting prostitutes or even engaging in criminal activities like rape or child abuse. With sexual addiction, there is often an inability to control the urges despite knowing that they are wrong or harmful. There may also be feelings of guilt and shame associated with the behavior after it has been engaged in, but this does not stop it from happening again and again.
What is Inappropriate Sexual Compulsion Behavior?
Inappropriate sexual compulsion behavior refers to any sexual behavior that falls outside of what would normally be considered acceptable by society. This could include engaging in cybersex on chat rooms, engaging in sex with multiple partners, exposing oneself in public, having unprotected sex with strangers, or even sending sexually explicit messages on social media platforms without consent from the recipient. While some of these behaviors may be illegal or immoral, they do not necessarily qualify as an “addiction” because there may not be an inability to control them due to an uncontrollable urge.
Although both types of behavior can cause problems for those who engage in them and those around them, they are very different things and require different kinds of treatment plans. If you think you may have a problem with either type of behavior, it’s important to talk to a professional who can help you determine which type of treatment plan will work best for you so that you can begin your journey towards recovery as soon as possible. Don’t wait any longer! Reach out today and take back your life!