It's tempting to avoid the term "sexual addiction," since it has been overused of late, but it does describe a very real problem that can be extremely destructive, both to the individual and to the marriage partner.

The sexual addict is a person who tries to use sex to fill non-sexual needs. Sex becomes not an expression of love in a mature relationship, but rather a compulsive (and often highly ritualized) response to the emotional stresses of life.

The expressions of sexual addiction are many - habitual masturbation, pornography, telephone or cyber sex, prostitution, strip shows, even voyeurism and rape. The beginnings of most of these addictions are formed long before adulthood, so the addictions are carried into marriage. This is helpful for the spouse to understand, both for their peace of mind and also in understanding their spouse's unique problem.

In identifying sexual addiction it is helpful to know that a healthy male between the ages of 20 and 55 can desire to have sex daily (see - Physiology of the Male Sex Drive). One test that we recommend is for the spouse to offer legitimate healthy sex to their partner on a daily basis. If the partner is not satisfied with this level of sexual activity, or if they still choose other non-healthy forms of sexual release, it is probable that there is a sexual addiction.

We firmly believe that, in Christ, healing is possible for the sex addict. The road to recovery is challenging, but there is help. There are now many individuals and ministries that understand the unique and difficult struggle of those bound by sexual addiction (we have listed a few online ministries at the end of the article).

We also highly recommend that sexual addicts become a part of a Christian accountability group. Many leaders in these groups have been sexually addicted themselves and have good experience and advice to share. They are also aware of the pitfalls of rationalizing, minimizing or even outright denying destructive behaviors and their consequences. We recommend Christian accountability groups for the helpful balance between spiritual warfare and personal responsibility and accountability.

Anti Porn Tool
Covenant Eyes is an internet accountability tool.

Helpful Ministries
American Association of Christian Counselors - find a counselor near you.
Be Broken Ministries offers courses and accountability groups.
Pure Intimacy.org offers practical resources. Created by Focus on the Family.

Recommended Reading
False Intimacy by Harry W. Schaumburg
Freedom from Addiction by Neil T. Anderson