“Sexual offending” and “sex addiction” are terms often used interchangeably, but are they actually the same thing? How does one distinguish between the two? And why does this matter?
While they may seem similar, sexual offending and sex addiction are actually two distinct concepts with different meanings, manifestations, causes and treatment.
What is Sexual Offending?
Sexual offending, also known as sexual deviance, refers to any sexual behavior that is considered illegal, socially unacceptable and, most importantly, lacking affirmative consent from the victim.
A sex offender, furthermore, is someone who engages in sexually harmful or offensive behavior. This can include illegal acts such as rape, sexual assault and child sexual abuse. Likewise, it can include offensive behavior such as sexual harassment.
People who engage in sexual offending behavior often have a lack of empathy and may feel as though there is nothing wrong with their behavior. A common thread among sexual offenders is that their sexual acting out is typically an abuse of power (specifically, the power they hold over their victims through their sexually offensive actions).
What is Sex Addiction?
Sex addiction, also known as hypersexuality, refers to the compulsive behavior and excessive preoccupation with sexual thoughts, fantasies and behaviors. People with sex addiction may engage in risky or harmful sexual behaviors, such as multiple sexual partners, unprotected sex and excessive pornography use. Sex addiction typically has negative consequences on a person’s personal, social, financial and professional life. Often the individual has difficulty with developing and maintaining healthy relationships which is why sex addiction has been referred to as an intimacy disorder.
The causes of sexual addiction, and addiction in general, vary but usually involve a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to addictive behaviors, while others may use sex as a coping mechanism for underlying emotional issues, especially when there is a history of trauma.
Treatment for sex addiction often involves a variety of therapeutic techniques, and support groups and may also involve medication. Treatment focuses on addressing underlying issues and developing healthy coping mechanisms and boundaries.
What is The Difference Between Sex Offending and Sex Addiction?
While both sexual offending and sex addiction involve problematic sexual behaviors, there are key differences between the two.
Intent and Consent
One of the main differences between sexual offending and sex addiction is the intent of the offender and consent of those involved. In sexual offending, the perpetrator intentionally abuses their power and often feels entitled to the sexual behavior regardless of its negative ramifications on others. It is not uncommon for sex offenders to knowingly disregard their victim’s ability to consent to the sexual behavior.
On the other hand, while the behavior of a person with a sex addiction may still result in harm (both to themselves and others), normally there is no explicit intent to cause harm. Sex addicts face a difficult battle when it comes to their addiction. Their behavior is often compulsive and might be connected to other mental health struggles such as trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Criminality
Another important distinction between sexual offending and sexual addiction is the presence or absence of criminal behavior. Sexual offending always involves a criminal act, an act that may result in legal consequences or a socially unacceptable act forced upon another person. Sex addiction, on the other hand, typically involves maladaptive and compulsive sexual acting out, although it may certainly also involve offensive sexual behavior.
While this may be surprising, according to the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals, only 10% of sex addicts also engage in criminal sexual behavior. At the same time, research indicates that compulsive sexual behavior (common in sex addicts) appears at significantly lower rates in sex offenders.
Treatment and Rehabilitation
The treatment and rehabilitation process for sexual offending and sex addiction are also different.
Due to its criminal nature, sexual offenders often face legal consequences for their actions and may be required to undergo therapy and rehabilitation programs in addition to serving time in prison as part of their sentencing. Some sex offenders may struggle to accept accountability for their actions or understand the problem with their behavior. Research also shows that, depending on the nature of sex crime, recidivism rates tend to be higher among some types of sex offenders.
Sex addiction, on the other hand, is typically treated through therapy and support groups, without any legal involvement. Sex addicts may join groups such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA), Sexaholics Anonymous (SA), S-Anon and Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) as sources of support and tools to use when triggered to act out sexually. It is recommended that individuals attend a meeting at least 6 times before deciding whether it is the right meeting for them. Attending meetings of more than one group is not uncommon.
Why Understanding the Difference Is Important
Although there are many differences between sexual offending and sexual addiction, stigmas and misconceptions still persist.
Some believe that all sex addicts are inherently sex offenders and vice versa, but as the previously mentioned studies show, that is far from the truth. Not all sex offenders are sex addicts, and not all sex addicts are sex offenders. Living with a sex addiction does not automatically make someone a “bad” person or a criminal. Rather, people with sex addictions are often struggling with other underlying conditions and need additional assistance for overcoming their maladaptive behavior.
Understanding the difference between sex offending and sex addiction enables us to provide the appropriate intervention techniques and resources. By understanding the nature of the problematic sexual behavior, we can better identify and implement treatments and rehabilitation strategies that address the person’s unique history, challenges and needs.
Recovery Is Possible
If you or your loved one live with a sex addiction, can be devastating and anxiety provoking. However, with the right resources managing a sex addiction is possible. The path to recovery may not always be as straightforward or as easy as one would like, but you are not alone.
KeyStone Center ECU, located in Chester, Pennsylvania, is here to help you in an empathic and nonjudgmental manner. Learn more about our treatment or about sexual addiction in general by contacting us at 833-635-6840 or by completing this form.
