Much hope nevertheless exists for these addicts and their families. Sexual addiction is defined as any sexually-related, compulsive behavior which interferes with normal living and causes severe stress on family, friends, loved ones, and one's work environment. Sexual addiction has been called sexual dependency and sexual compulsivity. By any name, it is a compulsive behavior that completely dominates the addict's life. Sexual addicts make sex a priority more important than family, friends, and work.
Sex becomes the organizing principle of addicts' lives.
They are willing to sacrifice what they cherish most in order to preserve and continue their unhealthy behavior. No single behavior pattern defines sexual addiction. Even the healthiest forms of human sexual expression can turn into self-defeating behaviors. Since then, thousands of people have come forward seeking help, and more and more professionals are being trained to identify and treat sexual addiction. One of NCSA's missions is to decrease the stigma surrounding sexual addiction problems and treatment.