The moral maze of sex & porn addiction

Abstract

Sex addiction, a term first coined in the early 80s, has always been met with controversy. Some say the label of addiction is an excuse used by those who have lost their moral compass or refuse to accept responsibility for their sexual choices. Others claim the label is used to pass moral judgement on those whose sex lives or internet viewing habits do not fit societally prescribed norms. The acceptance by WHO of CSBD (Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder) into ICD11 was heralded as a moral victory by the sex addiction naysayers who claimed WHO’s position ‘proved’ it wasn’t an addiction; conversely sex addiction professionals claimed victory saying that finally this was a step in the right direction. This paper will explore the divide and provide insight on how using a pure medical model of addiction has contributed and fueled the debate. An alternative model for conceptualization from a biopsychosocial perspective will be provided to suggest ways of moving forward that could ease the controversies as well as opening new areas for research and most importantly, greater understanding and empathy for clients.