Dealing with Your Spouse’s Sex Addiction

Filed under Addiction, June 10th, 2009 by admin
Share

Recognizing sex addiction in your spouse means that he or she is suffering from a compulsive disorder that makes him or her unable to control his or her sexual urges.  Although it is only natural to have sexual urges, a sex addiction means that one can no longer see the difference between his or her need for love and his or her need for sexual satisfaction.  A sex addict can even go so far as to change or alter his or her daily routines in order to accommodate sexual activity as often as possible.  Other signs of sex addiction include your spouse’s fantasizing about sexual exploits, as well as losing control over responsibilities and moral standards.  Sex addiction is truly a major concern for those who are married to sex addicts because it can eventually result in negative emotions about one’s self, as well as inner resentment from the sex addict’s partner.

Approaching your spouse regarding sex addiction

It is always best to discuss your feelings with your spouse.  If you are worried that he or she might be a sex addict, you need to talk to him or her, but you must do it in a warm and subtle manner.  Tell your spouse that you are sincerely concerned about his or her well-being, as well as your marriage.  Remind him or her that your marriage is not only about the physical pleasures, but is also about communication and understanding.  Be
sure to ask your partner if he or she is even aware of his or her addiction.  Explain, kindly and patiently, why you are so concerned.  Let him or her know that you are ready, willing, and able to help—and that you are his or her partner, and not the enemy.

Dealing with a spouse who has sex addiction

Depending on how bad you believe your spouse’s addiction is, there are several ways of dealing with it.  The first, and probably most essential, is to support your spouse by emotionally working with him or her in building up his or her self-esteem.  By doing so, your spouse will realize that he or she is worth so much more than the mere experience of sexual satisfaction.

Understanding the causes behind sex addiction

Sex addiction is caused by many different factors, with the most common factor being low self-esteem.  Oftentimes, sex addicts become addicted to sex because it is one of the only times that they actually feel good about themselves.  Seeing their partners experience pleasure also makes them
feel as though they are important and powerful.

Getting professional help for your spouse

There are certain groups and organizations that specialize in dealing with sex addiction.  You might want to convince your spouse to join one.  However, if this does not seem to help, you might want to advise your spouse to start psychotherapy with an expert in the study of sex addiction.

Photo Credit : kyz

RELATED POSTS
Online Gaming Addiction – Helping children through an addiction to online gaming.
Shopping Addiction – Get your friend over a shopping addiction.
Dad’s Alcohol Addiction – Help your father through an alcohol addiction.
Relative’s Gambling Addiction – Help a relative through their gambling addiction.
Hand Washing Addiction – Getting over an addiction to hand washing.

RELATED SITES’ POSTS
Sexual Addiction – About sexual addiction in females
Beat Porn Addiction – How to beat a porn addiction
Sex Life Makeover – Signs you may need a makeover in your sex life
Addiction Issues – About how life is too short for addictions

Share

Comments