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 Addiction is a state in which we begin to need something to beable to function normaly. When this substance or behavior is not available to us or if it were removed, it would begin to cause distress. It is a term I use to describe a devotion, attachment, dedication, inclination, towards a certain behaviour which can put our wellbeing or that of others at risk.
In my work I view that an addiction is used to describe a recurring compulsion by an individual to engage in some specific activity, despite harmful consequences to the individual's health, mental state or social life.
I also use similar approaches (relapse prevetion etc) to other compulsions, such as problem gambling, and sexual addiction. Some information is outlined below:
Sexual addication and sexually problematic behaviour:
Sex Addiction can involve a wide variety of practices and many state their unhealthy use of sex has been a progressive process and but over time becomes progressively linked to increasingly dangerous behaviours which can be placing themselves or others at increased harm.
According to conservative estimates, between three and six per cent of the population experience sexual addiction, but it's likely that the real figure is much higher. As the addiction can be accompanied by feelings of shame and embarrassment, sex addicts often find it difficult to seek help. There's no profile of a typical sex addict. Sufferers come from every walk of life and approximately 20 per cent are female. Women can have particular problems being taken seriously when they look for help for compulsive sexual behaviour.
 The essence of all addiction is the addicts' experience of powerlessness over a compulsive behaviour, resulting in their lives becoming unmanageable. The addict is out of control and experiences tremendous shame, pain and self-loathing. The addict may wish to stop --- yet repeatedly fails to do so.
The unmanageability of addicts' lives can be seen in the consequences they suffer: losing relationships, difficulties with work, arrests, financial troubles, a loss of interest in things not sexual, low self-esteem and despair.
Initially individual psychotherapy is specifically aimed at understanding and dealing with the addiction and creating safety for the client and others
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