The Sex Addict and the Love Addict May Share Similar Symptoms

Mental health practitioners continue to debate the prevalence of sex addiction. For a growing number of therapists, however, the patients they see on a regular basis for sex addiction are struggling with a problem they can’t seem to overcome on their own.

A recent Psych Central piece explored the possibility of a connection between sex addicts and love addicts. The article suggests that many of the individuals that are seen for sex addiction often have partners that demonstrate the characteristics of love addiction.

While this is not necessarily the rule, similarities have been identified between love addicts and sex addicts that include intimacy issues, brain chemistry, co-dependence and a fear of abandonment. Both individuals are also likely to have had some sort of childhood trauma and subsequent attachment issues.

There are differences, however, that serve as the attraction between the two individuals. For instance, the sex addict demonstrates superficial intensity and the love addict generally has a fantasy of being not only desired, but also rescued. Unfortunately, intensity does not replace intimacy and the fantasy usually cannot be sustained.

The sex addict also appears to be offering unconditional love simply because they don’t have the ability to be truly honest. He or she is generally able to easily say what the love addict wants to hear. This allows for the seductiveness to take hold without any demonstrated intent to commit.

At the same time, the love addict can’t tolerate the requirements of true intimacy as it demands an approach that’s too intense due to the heightened level of honesty demanded. As a result, the sex addict is the perfect partner.