COMMERCIAL SEX

Commercial sex behaviors may include patronizing massage parlors or strip clubs, using escorts, phone sex, financially supporting someone in exchange for sex, or giving expensive gifts for sexual favors. Power and entitlement are key characteristics for the commercial sex addict. Rituals often involve inordinate amounts of time searching for the “right” sex partner. Cruising in cars or browsing internet advertisements may take many long hours, adding to the unmanageability of the sex addict’s life. Payment for sexual activity may create the illusion of control for the sex addict. Additionally, reconstruction of a childhood scenario may be part of the commercial sex addict’s behavioral pattern. Ultimately, extreme shame is a result of this form of sexual addiction. Treatment includes task-oriented intervention as well as behavior modification.