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Sexual Addiction vs. Sexual Experimentation

Dr. Doug Weiss - 9/24/2007

What is the difference between sexual addiction and sexual experimentation? I am 19 years old and I've been sexually active since I was 14. There have been times, that I have walked away from an experience completely shocked and disbelieving of what I have just done, yet I do it time and again. I've masturbated with common household items (kitchen utensils, umbrella handles, etc.) just to satisfy myself. I have a constant yearning for sex, but my desires are going farther than I am comfortable with. What should I do?

Here’s the difference between sexual addiction and sexual experimentation. Sexual addiction is about object relationship sex where the fantasy or object has no soul. Experimenting would be being with another soul. It sounds like you have created a pattern of disconnecting during sex and that you want to stop. This could be the early stage of addiction, especially if you can’t stop alone. You might attend a 12 Step support group or start reading up on sex addiction recovery. I recommend The Final Freedom as your introduction text. On a happy note, if you can transition to healthier sexuality now, then in the future it will be much better for you and all those you wish to truly love.

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