01 Oct SEX ADDICTION SBS TV WORLD NEWS
The nature of sexual addiction disorder is a long debated issue in the media, and amongst clinicians.
Due to unsatisfying scientific assessment results, the criteria of Sexual Addiction Disorder have failed to be accepted in the DSM-5. Hence, the acceptance of Sexual Addiction as a clinical disorder is still looming.
October 1st, 2013 the SBS TV Insight Program televised an interesting and controversial discussion round, debating views and opinions on sexual addiction.
In my opinion, a strong sense of ‘sex addicts being persons who simply lack responsibility and use sex addiction as an excuse for their behaviours’, prevailed.
Why this may be true for some individuals, who are unlikely to be addicted, a majority of sexual addicts fight a sincere daily battle against their compulsions. Sexual addicts desperately try to stop their behaviours, and fail to gain control over their lives.
I am most grateful to be given an opportunity to contribute to the 1st of October 6:30pm SBS TV World News, preceding the SBS Insight Program. Those, who have seen the SBS World News may remember my contribution close to my heart; saying, ‘that ‘sexual addiction is a treatable disorder of the brain’, and ‘untreated sexual addiction having tendency to escalate and spiralling out of control over time, and destroying personal lives, relationships, families, and burdening community wellness’.
Sexual addiction disorder is a mental health issue, and if left untreated, can lead to diminished ability to connecting with one’s core spiritual values-
- Healthy sexuality
- Healthy sense of self and self-actualisation
- Being able to form intimate and sustainable relationships
- In rare cases of untreated sexual addiction disorder, a crippling sense of failure, worthlessness, isolation, shame, and desperation can lead to suicide
I sincerely hope, that sexual addicts and their spouses, who suffer the impacts of sexual addiction, come forward and seek skilled professional treatment. Sex addiction is a fully treatable disorder.
Published by Heide McConkey, Director at Sex Addiction Australia Affirmotive.