Sex Addiction or Narcissistic Behavior?

Sex Addiction or Narcissistic Behavior?

Former professional wrestler, Andre Davis, was sentenced to 32 years in prison for having unprotected sex with hundreds of women while never disclosing his HIV diagnosis. Mr. Davis defended himself by stating that his sex addiction was worse than having an alcohol or drug addiction. Sex addiction seemed to be his plea; however, he did not display any of the behaviors of a sex addict other than having sex with multiple partners.

Prosecuting attorneys pointed out that Mr. Davis was simply using his defense of sex addiction as an excuse, and his narcissistic attitude was much more prevalent than any signs of true sex addiction.  Mr. Davis’ narcissistic behavior was clear throughout the courtroom proceedings and many of his victims, who were in attendance to give statements pertinent to the case, were appalled at his lack of remorse.

Individuals who suffer from addiction typically show some measure of remorse when caught or when admitting their wrongdoings. The reports from the courtroom suggesting Mr. Davis was void of this type of emotion may indicate he was using the term “sex addiction” as an excuse for his misconduct. Unfortunately, sex addiction is a real problem in our society today. When it is used by individuals as an excuse for bad behavior, sex addiction may become trivialized in the same way as alcohol and drug addiction.