What to do with a ravenous sex drive... 

I went through a period where I thought about it all the time. I hadn't thought about it that much during the last several years of my marriage as I did that couple of month period. I believe it was my need to prove to myself that I was still an attractive person to the opposite sex. It was a need to still feel like a woman. I did eventually give in to that need but only after I found someone that I was interested in. I went up like a roman candle and still do...Casual sex just doesn't do it for me though. I can't separate the two...There has to be something there for me or the sex doesn't mean as much to me. If I didn't want the intimacy with another person and sharing that is involved, I could buy batteries. My only advice is to be careful. You are an adult and I am sure you know what you want, I would just hate to see you more hurt in the long run. Take care.

ncdivorcenovice,
I feel the same way, too. I love frequent, abundant, and safe sex. I confess, I have a ravenous sexual appetite, but I am also very faithful. I am a one-woman man. I am very faithful because 1) I am very commited once I give my word, and 2) I am scared of catching any STD if I stray from the straight and narrow. I expected the same thing from my stbx, but I am divorcing her because sex is not safe anymore, in fact my life is not safe anymore after what she's done. I have not been touched by any woman since December, 2008. The women look even sexier now that I am in that bind. I occasionally have natural night pollutions. I am patiently waiting for the bell to ring. As soon as the judge give me my marching orders and the ink dries, I will be looking for abundant, frequent and safe sex.

I hear ya!   

What I did was engage a younger friend for sex, good meals and a little rest and relaxation.  

He knows my situation and is more than agreeable.   

Its what I needs right now and it works out for both of us!  I simply cannot go without sex.

I think prayer is the best antidote.  I too have had those feelings.  Although my drive is not off the charts, I long for my husband, no one else.  However, I won't be caught dead or in the bed with he.  If he betrayed me once, he'll betray me again (HIV-AIDS).  Don't have time for that.  Think of other ways to quite your physical needs, if you know what I mean.  Otherwise, you run the risk of becoming a whore and then you're no better than the one who whored on you.  Besides you don't need the emotional baggage or regret later.

I tend to agree with Chickenhawk.  I think it's a part of the process of discovering who you are and what you want.  I also don't think there's anything wrong in exploring it, albeit safely of course.  I know I'm no where near ready for any kind of relationship, but a high sex drive was something I've always had.  So like the others.. went on a few dates and found a couple "Friends with benefits".  Always stayed honest with them about what I was looking for, and so far.. been having a good time.  The bonus is now the feelings aren't all so consuming and allows me to deal with all the other stuff that needs to be dealt with.

My advise:  get a grip.  The endless need for a "fix" usually occurs right when you don't want to face a hurt, insecurity or deficiency you feel.  Be prepared to lose everyone in your life, if that matters.  Try a few meetings of 12 Steps for Sex Addicts (SA) you might be surprised what you hear.

Oh, darlin'.  Been there.  It's a little frightening how strong the urge is at first, but as others have said, just be careful about who/where you meet, use protection, and trust your instincts.  I had a six-month run with several men myself (young, old, every race and from every station in life).  I think it's part of the urge to reclaim your self, your independence and the things you want to try in life that were impossible before.  I'm glad I did it, because I learned some things about myself.  That said, everyone is different.  If you're prone to impulse, regret, or guilty feelings, be careful.  You want to be able to look upon this as a positive exploration, not a shameful period in your life.

I went thru the same thing and I think it is very healthy.  For years men have been doing just this and we chock it up to being a man but when it is a woman we are told to behave and take care of it ourselves. 
My suggestion is to find a Friend with Benefits. Someone you can be friends with but there is another side to the relationship. Try to find someone who you know you won't fall for and you can keep it easy with.  Of course it goes without saying to be safe!

I know how you feel =D

I think we feel that way to fullfill our need to feel attractive because the person we were with really did a number on our self esteem and how we view ourselves.  Since we aren't ready or scared to truely be intimate we seek out other avenues for a type of gratification or validation that we are attractive that we are ready for.  We are gun shy about relationships so we seek out the physical gratification.

It is just another wonderful part of this journey.Be careful do not put yourself in jeopardy for a little self gratification.T he result could be much worse.You know how to take care of it if it is truly needed but tried to control it before it controls you.This is another symptom of the parches.We need to acquire the acceptance or desirability of our opposite sex targets.Be careful,this passes slowly.Heal,grieve and recover.