Tiger Woods Sparks Debate on Sex Addiction

With fame and fortune comes access. Tiger Woods admitted to taking advantage of what surrounded him as a superstar golfer, saying he cheated on his wife repeatedly.

After Tiger's first public appearance since allegations of multiple affairs surfaced, phone lines lit up on Baltimore's 105.7 The Fan with Scott and Jen.

"I don't think he owes the public anything," one caller said.

"He is serious about wanting to change and get a second chance," said another caller.

Tiger admitted to seeking help. But for what, he didn't say.

"In therapy, I've learned the importance of looking at my spiritual life and keeping it in balance with my professional life. I need to regain my balance and be centered so I can save the things that are most important to me - my marriage and my children," said Woods.

Dr. Larry Fishel treats so-called sex addicts at his Towson practice. He says they are often men who are unable to control their impulses and will have sex with just about anyone who shows an interest.

"Often times the person who's addicted says the sex life with their spouse is great," said Dr. Fishel. "He might not have felt successful personally. So he might have been reaffirmed by what he was seeing sexually," he said.

Doctor Fishel says sex addicts know what they're doing is wrong, but they often get caught before they confess. Tiger's case has sparked a debate.

"The length that he went to cover up what he did kind of hints to me that that's part of being an addict," said Neigma Telestine, of Towson.

"I just think it's an escape for people to say, oh sorry, not my fault. I'm addicted," said Holly Voelker, of Towson.

An addiction or a likely excuse. The debate is now for his wife Elin to decide and determine whether she can forgive.

Doctor Fishel also draws a clear line between sex addictions and an affair.  He says an affair usually implies relationship, while addiction simply means sex.

He says through therapy, Tiger Woods is most likely taught ways to control his impulses. And the Woods' case may bring about more research.