The Co-Addicts Role in Sexual Addiction

Sexual addiction results in the failure of many marriages and committed relationships. While the general population place great burden and guilt upon the sex addict, it is important to also look at the co-dependent factors that support the addiction. For many sex addicts, there is a committed relationship that involves the support of a co-dependent partner, often referred to as the co-addict.

Co-addict is the term used to identify the individual who supports the activities of, or is in a relationship with, the sex addict. While the co-addict may not condone the actions of the sex addict, they often inhibit or impede the therapy or recovery of the sex addict. Partners and families members play a key role in the recovery of sexual addiction as a result, the co-addict must be involved in the sex addiction recovery process.

In therapy, it is not uncommon to find that sex co-addicts develop complications involving sexual dysfunction themselves. While the addiction may not involve the activities of the sex addict, the co-addict may often be engaged in infidelity and adulterous behavior themselves. Viewing pornographic material and assuming some of the sex addict's behaviors are quite common. Unfortunately, because the sex addict has had such a powerful influence over the co-addict's behavior, the co-addict may be the individual who supports the continued behavior and may, ultimately, negatively influence the outcome of the sex addict's therapy program.

Co-addiction is common in every addiction disorder. From sexual addiction to addiction to drugs and alcohol, addicts must identify who their co-addicts are and seek assistance as a collaborative effort. In some cases, however, the co-addict may not realize they suffer from a complication and, unfortunately, may not be as open to therapy. When this occurs, the sex addict must often make a decision as to how to proceed with this the interpersonal relationship with the co-addict.