Levels of Sexual Addiction

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Level One: Addictive behavior that involves normal sexual activity

Masturbation, heterosexual relationships, homosexual relationships, pornography, prostitution

These behaviors are regarded in our culture as acceptable (wide practice and public acceptance).

Level Two: Involves nuisance kinds of criminal sexual activity

Voyeurism, exhibitionism, transvestism, bestiality, indecent phone calls, indecent liberties

These behaviors are generally regarded as nuisance behaviors - public reaction usually judges these behaviors as sick or pathetic or obnoxious.

 

Still no criminal behavior, but contact is made with another person who is a willing partner or paid sexual worker.

Level Three: Horrific kinds of criminal sexual activity

Child molestation, incest, rape

These behaviors represent profound violation of cultural boundaries. The victim pays a heavy price of emotional turmoil and pain. Young victims may grow up to victimize others. The excitement associated with the level of risk involved can become part of addict's emotional/sexual "high".

 

These levels do not indicate progressive stages of addiction. Instead they describe the progressive risk of being persecuted and level of harm done to others.

 

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Last update: Thursday, March 01, 2007.  Feedback - send an email to: