Tiger Woods' sex addiction brought the spotlight on a problem that it's not reserved only to the rich, handsome and famous and, by all means, it is not new.

So, there's a guy who had multiple extra-marital affairs, what's the fuss about? A few years ago he'd have been called a philanderer. Until recently, he'd have been labeled a compulsive cheater. Now, however, he might get psychological treatment as a sex addict.

But is every compulsive cheater out there a sex addict?

What is sex addiction anyway? "Sex addiction is used to describe the behavior of a person who has an unusually intense sex drive or an obsession with sex", a specialist says at MedicineNet. And, according to PsychCentral, "sexual addiction is best described as a progressive intimacy disorder characterized by compulsive sexual thoughts and acts."

There's a reason why it's called an "addiction" and it's because the person goes through the same circle over and over again, as a drug addict does. First, there is pain, anxiety, loneliness, the feeling of being unworthy of love, even when the person has a permanent partner. Then there's a fantasy to lessen the pain, followed by the urgent need to have sex as fantasized. Later, there is a sense of euphoria, as endorphins are released, and of power, as he/she feels desired and satisfied. This only lasts a short moment, followed by embarrassment and guilt, hatred to him/herself for not being able to stop the behavior and more pain and anxiety, that require to be relieved again.

Sex addiction is a psychological disorder that needs treatment with a therapist. It's something serious and can't be controlled by yourself or your partner. It's not a matter of morale, you see. In fact, the key to it is that the person feels awful about his/her behavior but can't make anything to control it.

Sex addicts are rare, though. They might molest children or even animals, become sex offenders and enjoy voyeurism, take or afflict pain as a way to "enhance" the sexual experience, have casual encounters in public places without caring for the consequences. They might lose their jobs and families because sex thoughts are so compulsive, they can't think of anything else.

You have to agree this is not the case of most compulsive cheaters. Oh, yes, they have multiple extra-marital affairs, but they control when, where and with whom. They take a time for the "chase", as a big part of the fun involved derives from it. They worry that you might find out, but they also like the adrenaline that runs from the risk and, above anything else, they don't feel a painful guilt. It's a moral matter.

Compulsive cheaters couldn't care less for morale. They and their needs and desires are above anything else, including the love and trust of their partners. They believe the risk is worthy because they find oh, so much pleasure both in the risk itself and in the sexual encounter with a third person. In fact, a compulsive cheater is selfishness personified.