For many men, women, and couples navigating relationship problems in Ireland, sex addiction is often misunderstood as simply a matter of high libido or poor self-control. In reality, compulsive sexual behaviors frequently serve as a defense mechanism against emotional closeness—a pattern closely tied to intimacy avoidance and an avoidant attachment style. Understanding how intimacy avoidance drives compulsive behavior is one of the most critical steps in breaking the cycle, r