Many psychiatrists and some addiction specialists do not accept the idea that a behavior can be addictive. We believe that in many cases of repetitive problem sexual behaviors, the addiction model readily explains apparently irrational behavior, is easily understood by patients and family members, and leads to effective treatment.
Many behaviors can be normal in most people but addictive in others.
Now however, the term addiction is routinely used to describe and diagnose behaviors such as gambling, overeating, and sex when they are out of control. To addiction specialists familiar with these behaviors, the parallels with use of alcohol or other drugs are obvious. Continuation despite adverse consequences, such as loss of job, money, marriage, or health - or arrests or public humiliation. Preoccupation or obsession with obtaining and using the substance or participating in the behavior to the detriment of other essential life activities or goals Addictions are defined not by how much of the drug or behavior is used, but rather the effects on the person's life. An addiction can be suspected when the behavior has made the person's life unmanageable.