The term codependency was first used to describe the relationship between an alcoholic and his or her spouse.
Sex Addiction in a Codependent Relationship Stopping is difficult even if the addict recognizes the need to do so. As with any other addiction, the behavior becomes a problem and infiltrates every aspect of the addict’s life. A sex addict engages in one or more behaviors despite negative consequences. A sex addict may be obsessed with using pornography, with self-stimulation, with making sexual jokes or comments, with flirting or anything else related to sex. Sex addiction is an obsessive need to engage in sexual behaviors of some type. Strong reactions to the feelings and opinions of others.A desire to please others and difficulty saying no to anyone.In short, a codependent relationship is one in which you feel dependent on the other person in order to feel worthwhile or to have an identity. It often begins in childhood and can lead to codependent relationships later in life. Any type of family dysfunction leads to at least a couple of symptoms of codependency. The symptoms and signs of codependency are so common, in fact, that experts rarely agree about whether it should be considered a psychological disorder. What Is Codependency?īeing codependent describes many people. Codependency is not uncommon, but when it comes together with sex addiction, it creates a situation that requires therapy and other treatments to correct. When sex addiction exists in a codependent relationship, two people are locked in a destructive way of living. Some experts would argue that it is a true addiction, but all agree that people can develop unhealthy sexual attitudes, behaviors and compulsions.