Sex addiction debate

Jason Manford has quit his role as co-host on the One Show just two weeks after allegations surfaced that the married father-of-two had shared sex tweets and texts with female fans. One, Debra McNamee, then sold her story to The Sun.

But according to sex therapy expert Claire Hegarty, Manford is not to blame for what could be a serious problem that affects millions of people around the world – sex addiction.

Hegarty, who owns a therapy business based in Chester said: “Sex and porn addiction is a very powerful addiction that has become much more common due to the state of the art mobile phones that can be used for cyber sex and the internet making it easier for people who are affected by sex addiction to access to porn.

“Jason Manford has taken the first step in recovery by apologising. Porn is not unhealthy but like anything such as drink, you can enjoy drink in moderation but if the drink starts taking over your life where you cannot go a day or even an hour without a drink then you are addicted and it becomes unhealthy.”

As part of his public apology the comedian told the Sun: “I have only myself to blame. I have never felt so low.” And Manford isn’t the only one.

His may have only been messing about that got out of hand but others have admitted to sex addiction.

A number of male celebrities including Michael Douglas, Russell Brand and Tiger Woods have been in the headlines for their compulsive sexual antics – and subsequently treated for sex addiction. It would appear that in today’s celebrity culture, crying ‘sex addict’ has become a fool-proof way of getting a narcissistic star out of a spot of bother.

The question is, does it even exist? Many would argue that what we’re referring to as an addiction is actually a compulsion – something these men clearly struggle to control.

Private Healthcare UK reports an estimated three to six per cent of people in the UK experience sexual addiction, although they believe the true figure would be much higher if more people sought advice.

Hegarty continues: “What people do not understand is sex and porn addiction can lead to depression and a lack of motivation. It can lead to a breakdown in your relationship, forcing your loved one to leave you due to your addiction or you pushing them away because of your addiction. Being addicted to sex can also cost you your job and career and can also destroy family life. It can also leave you feeling lack of confidence and helpless with a constant need that you cannot control.”

Sex addiction therapy has become a goldmine for therapists such as Claire who believe treatments like hypnotherapy are the way to help deal with this new found addiction. And whether it exists or not, never has the business of doing the business been such big business.