Sexual addiction is a disorder that is characterized by repetitive and compulsive thoughts about sex and sexual acts. Like other types of addictions the behavior must have a negative impact on the person so that it leads to issues with the person's social, occupational or legal functioning. The current paper describes sexual addictions, the controversy surrounding their diagnosis, and some proposed diagnostic criteria. The second half of the paper discusses a treatment plan combining cognitive behavioral therapy and a 12-step program in the treatment of internet pornography addiction. Issues surrounding treatment are also discussed.

Sexual addiction is a disorder of intimacy that is characterized by repetitive and compulsive thoughts about sex and sexual acts. Like other types of addictions the behavior must have a negative impact on the person such that it leads to issues with the person's social, occupational or legal functioning (Garcia & Thibaut, 2010). As the disorder...
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