I was a virgin until uni as I was raised religious – now I’m a sex addict who’s slept with both genders & even my COUSIN
A 19-YEAR-OLD man revealed how he went from a virgin to a sex addict after leaving for university.
The student explained that he became “obsessed” with finding people to sleep with, regardless of gender.
In a Reddit post, the unnamed user explained how his upbringing had contributed to his feelings of shame over sex.
“I was raised in a really strict catholic household and before I left for college I hadn’t done anything sexual with anyone,” he said.
“When I started college, I decided I wanted to change and immediately started dating and using apps.”
The poster described how he lost his virginity “pretty quickly,” adding that the woman he slept with was only interested in a one night stand.
Eager to have sex again, he downloaded dating apps and experienced a mix success and “strikeouts.”
“One night, I was obsessed with finding someone and was striking out left and right,” he explained.
“In desperation, I downloaded a gay dating app and immediately got an bunch of messages.”
The Reddit user said he was “not interested in guys” but “just needed to get off.
He ended up meeting up with another man and having sex with him.
“A few days later I was back on liking for girls. And when I couldn’t find one, guys,” he explained.
Despite trying to quit “cold turkey,” he found himself relapsing multiple times and when his openly gay cousin visited him, he revealed his urges to him.
“Just talking about it made me super horny and I knew it was f**ked up but I started flirting a little,” he said.
“I won’t go into details but he and I had sex that night.”
The Reddit user revealed that he and his cousin have slept together “a few times since” but said that he “feels disgusted” over his actions.
As well as his cousin, the young man racked up several more partners on dating apps.
Dealing with sex addiction
IF you, or someone you know, is dealing with a sex addiction, here's everything you need to know...
Seek Professional Help: Consulting a therapist who specialises in sexual addiction can be very beneficial. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches can help address underlying issues and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Join Support Groups: Connecting with others who are experiencing similar challenges can provide support and understanding. Groups such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) offer a safe space to share experiences and gain insights.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to avoid triggers and situations that may lead to addictive behaviours. This might include limiting internet usage, avoiding certain places, or ending unhealthy relationships.
Develop Healthy Habits: Engage in activities that promote well-being and fulfilment, such as exercise, hobbies, or volunteering. These can help redirect energy towards positive outlets.
Mindfulness and Stress Management: Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress and reduce the urge to engage in addictive behaviours.
Education: Learning about sex addiction can help you understand your condition better and recognise patterns and triggers. Knowledge is a powerful tool in managing addiction.
Accountability: Having a trusted friend or sponsor to check in with can provide accountability and support. This person can help you stay on track with your recovery goals.
Avoid Isolation: Isolation can exacerbate addictive behaviours. Try to maintain social connections and seek out healthy relationships that offer support and companionship.
Set Realistic Goals: Recovery is a journey and setting small, achievable goals can help you stay motivated and track your progress.
Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of sex addiction, particularly if there are co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
He explained how he isn’t even attracted to most of the people he sleeps with, describing them as “just willing partners.”
And when he wasn’t meeting up with people for sex, he said he was watching porn online.
“I’ve researched sex addiction and I’m pretty sure I am one,” he wrote.
He explained that his family’s strict religious views made him reluctant to confide in them.
“I can’t tell anyone and I’m sure my parents would think I’m disgusting,” he said.