Charlize Theron knows “a lot” of sex addicts. Theron, the ‘Burning Plain’ actress understands the pain and confusion that surround sexual obsessions, and the way they tear families apart. I say ask Russell Brand he would know best.

more photos of the photo shy Charlize below..

Charlize, 34: “I’ve personally met a lot of parents, actually, who’ve lost children because they’re suffering from sex addiction and they tend to split up.

“It’s not that one would consciously cheat, but it really is a moment that’s not about the sex. When you’re addicted to it, things actually happen to your body and to your brain that chemically changes you, and so it is like shooting heroin or having a drink.”

Charlize denies ever suffering from an addiction herself, but admits her father battled with various dependencies when she was growing up.

She told Parade.com: “I’ve never been addicted to anything but I’ve met people who are. I’ve been around it. I grew up in a house with addiction.

“I understand that grief and pain that comes from someone having to cope with the guilt of wanting to be numb.” – via Bang

photos: Bauer Griffin