Sexual Addiction in Incarcerated Sexual Offenders

The prevalence and features of sexual addiction in sexual offenders incarcerated in a Canadian Federal prison were examined. Eighty male respondents (40 sexual offenders, 40 community subjects) completed questionnaires on sexual addiction and drug and alcohol problems. Sexual offenders were significantly more likely than the comparison group to be classified as sexual addicts. Fourteen of 40 sexual offenders (35%), and 5 of 40 community subjects (12.5%) were classified as sexual addicts. Sexual offender sexual addicts were more likely than non-addicts to report a preoccupation with sex and having been a victim of childhood or adolescent sexual abuse. However, sexual offender sex addicts were no more likely than sexual offender non-addicts to report co-morbid addiction problems with drugs or alcohol. Results are discussed in terms of their implication for the notion of sexual addiction and its relationship to sexual offending.