Is sex addiction real? Maybe not, therapists say

Claiming a sex addiction may be a go-to for misbehaving celebrities and politicians, but from a science perspective there isn't enough study to prove sex addiction is real, according to a professional organization of sex educators and therapists. 

There is not enough empirical evidence to classify sex addiction or porn addiction as a mental disorder, the The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) said in a statement to members last week. The organization said that current sex addiction therapy and counseling is not adequately informed by human sexuality and thus not supported as a standard practice by the organization. 

While the organization is in no way saying that people don’t experience real physical, psychological and health consequences from their sexual urges, sex addiction is an “oversimplification of a complex area of human sexual behavior,” Douglas Braun-Harvey, a sexual health author and psychotherapist, said in a statement Dec.9.

 “I think the most important thing to remember is that there are people who are suffering from their sexual behavior being out of control, but what ends up happening is that the suffering, the fear and the consequences it brings to their careers and families get prematurely and very quickly labeled sex addiction,” said Braun-Harvey, who is one of the authors of the AASECT statement.

Q & A: Is Anthony Weiner a sex addict?

AASECT certification is needed in many states to become a sexual counselor, according to the organization’s website. So the organization’s stance on sex addiction sends an important message, especially at a time when sex addiction therapy is constantly in the headlines. 

In early November, former politician Anthony Weiner was spotted riding a horse at a treatment facility that offers equine therapy for sex addiction, AP reported.  And a quick Google search shows sex addiction therapists and treatment facilities are plentiful.

Joseph Burgo, a clinical psychologist, and author of The Narcissist You Know told USA TODAY in August that sex addiction is controversial for a number of reasons. 

"When it's something like alcohol you are addicted to or drugs, that's one thing, but when it's food or sex, those are normal human needs, so it's more controversial," he said, adding that little research has been done on sex addiction.

"Addiction implies a biochemical basis, and there are not sufficient studies to demonstrate that," Burgo said.

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