Childhood Trauma is Linked to Sexual Addiction in Adulthood

Many people who are battling with sexual addiction wonder "why me?"  People are curious to know why they are suffering from sexually addictive and destructive behaviors. The truth is, there is not one simple cause for sexual addiction. Research has shown, however, that childhood trauma can play a role in predisposing someone to sexual addiction.

When someone experiences a trauma as a child, they sometimes attempt to reenact the trauma by acting out in a sexually compulsive way. Traumatic experiences result when a person does not have the necessary resources, support, and safety to deal with the traumatizing event. Traumas can be in the form of a divorce, parent abandonment, walking in on parents having sex, or even being molested by an adult. These traumas can lay the groundwork for your subconscious to continue to replay the scenario as an adult, and attempt to rectify your negative feelings with sexually compulsive behavior.

When people act out in a sexual way, it means that their sexual behavior is done to avoid uncomfortable feelings and other facts. Sexual addiction involves continuing to act out sexually in spite of negative consequences. Trauma fits in with this because it is often the reason for the destructive sexual behaviors that the person becomes addicted to.

If your sexual addiction is a result of childhood trauma, you must heal the wounds that you experienced as a child before you can recover from sexual addiction. This is a process that takes time and commitment. Confronting your own feelings can be uncomfortable, especially for those who have been attempting to avoid those feelings through acting out sexually. There is hope, however. Everyone deserves to live their lives with sexual freedom and integrity. Check out our website, https://www.freedomeveryday.org for info on support groups in your area!

References:

"Trauma Can Create Template Which Feeds Sexual Addiction" by Carol Juergensen Sheets http://www.themeadows.com/blog/item/19-trauma-can-create-template-which-feeds-sexual-addiction

"Sexual Acting-Out as Response to Childhood Trauma" by William Lent http://www.newyorkpathways.com/trauma.html