Author Charlotte Kasl has noted that women in our culture are primarily trained to be sexual codependents.
Gilligan points out that normal female development involves an early need for intimacy skills, with autonomy becoming an issue when women are older, perhaps in their 30s or 40s.
In fact, by acting out sexually, these women seem to be reacting against culturally prescribed norms.
Love Addicts Anonymous is another 12-step fellowship that is developing a network of followers.