Sexual addiction can be understood by comparing it to other types of addiction. Chemical addicts find they need drugs to feel normal. In sexual addiction, a parallel situation exists.
Sexual addiction follows the same progressive nature of other addictions.
Sexual addicts struggle to control their behaviors and experience despair over constant failure to do so. Their loss of self-esteem grows, adding to the need to escape further into addictive behavior. Experiencing severe consequences due to sexual behavior, and an inability to stop despite these adverse consequences. Persistent pursuit of self-destructive behavior. Sexual addicts understand the consequences of their actions but cannot stop acting out.