Sexual Addiction in Gay Men - Is it Different?

Sexual addiction is not a problem that exclusively impacts the heterosexual community. It has shown to be quite a problem in the gay community as well. In fact, studies have shown that almost ten percent of gay men are addicted to sex. A person's sexual orientation does not make them a sex addict. People usually begin to exhibit compulsive sexual behaviors because of their individual psychological issues. Unfortunately individuals in the LGBT community face a lot of oppression, rejection, discrimination, and intimidation that can put them at risk for developing sexually addictive behaviors.

Gay and straight men are equally susceptible to sex addiction, but straight men are more likely to seek help. Gay males also often turn to sexual addiction as a way to "self-medicate" the psychological issues they face in society. There is also a difference in the way society views sexual freedom in homosexuals vs heterosexuals. Homosexuals experience a culture of greater sexual and social freedom than heterosexuals. While this can be a good thing, these views can pose serious issues for gay men who are predisposed to impulsive or compulsive sexual behavior.

Gay men also face less societal consequences as a result of sexual addiction. Before same sex marriage was legalized in 2015, there was less cultural emphasis on people of the homosexual community to engage in long-term relationships, and having children. For a lot of gay men, the threats that encourage straight men to seek treatment, such as divorce, loss of parental rights, etc., did not exist.

Even though there are differences in gay and straight sexual addiction, they are similar in many ways. They both face negative life consequences, and they both engage in sexually destructive behaviors. Fortunately, gay-friendly sexual addiction treatment centers exist. It takes some research, but there are therapists out there that are equally sensitive to sexual addiction and gay men's issues. Recovery can be achieved, and everyone deserves to live with sexual integrity and freedom, regardless of sexual preference and orientation!

References:

"Cruise Control: Understanding Gay Men and Sex Addiction" by Robert Weiss http://www.freedominstitute.org/cruise-control-understanding-gay-men-and-sex-addiction/

"Is Sex Addiction Different for Gay Men?" https://www.sexualrecovery.com/blog/sex-addiction-gay-men/