Critics of the notion of sex addiction argue that we need to address the underlying trauma, rather than the manifest behaviour. This argument has some validity, but it does not alter the description of the behaviour as ‘addictive’. By comparison, people addicted to drugs or gambling also often come with serious underlying problems arising from such things as abuse, alienation, hopelessness and poverty. However, that does not mean that we should stop using the word ‘addiction’ to describe their behaviour. One could argue that it is axiomatic that such drug users have some underlying problem but that would not be good science.
Nicotine is one of the most addictive of substances, but I am far from convinced that all heavy smokers were led into this activity by a prior psychological condition such as depression or anxiety. Some are surely driven to nicotine addiction by nicotine. Similarly, some porn addicts claim to have no prior psychological disorder but rather that porn created their problem.
To argue logically that sex cannot be an addiction, it is necessary to state what would constitute sexual addiction and how such a criterion doesn’t apply. For example, if someone claims to be an atheist, this makes no sense unless we know what is a theist. The term ‘asexual’ requires some understanding of ‘sexual’.
Two people are sitting side-by-side on two computers showing an identical pattern of responses. One is looking at Facebook and the other at porn sites. Both would rather be doing something else and both have sought help. Why are we allowed to describe only the first of these as ‘addicted’?
To use the term ‘compulsion’ instead of addiction, suggests that out-of-control sexual behaviour has more in common with excessive handwashing and checking than with drug-taking. Indeed, there are certain common features. However, the difference is profound based upon the biological roots of these activities. Is the comorbidity between out-of-control sexual behaviour greater with OCD than with non-sexual addictions? I would like to know the answer to this.
If the better-known opponents of the notion of sex addiction are so confident of their position, why do they need to employ such unethical tactics to prove it?
(Prof.) Frederick Toates
Open University,
Milton Keynes MK7 6AA
UK
Twitter: @FrederickToates