Question 1

What is sex addiction?

Accepted Answer

Sexual addiction is a pattern of sexual thoughts and uncontrolled behavior that is initially pleasurable, but eventually becomes unfulfilling and self-destructive when a person is unable to stop.

A person who is addicted to sex spends an inordinate amount of time masturbating, watching pornography, and otherwise seeking physical gratification to the detriment of their personal, social, and work-related life.

When someone is in the throes of sex addiction, they may engage in risky or even illegal behaviors such as unprotected sex with strangers, voyeurism, and exhibitionism. In extreme cases, sexual addicts may go so far as to commit acts of rape or child molestation, warns WebMD.

Although sex addiction is not yet included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it has a tendency to worsen over time, much like an addiction to alcohol, drugs, or gambling.

Many sex addicts find help via anonymous 12-step programs. Psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and inpatient programs also help people overcome compulsive sexual urges.

Question 2

What are the warning signs of sex addiction?

Accepted Answer

Here are some of the warning signs of sex addiction:

Obsessive sexual thoughts. Constant thoughts about sex and fantasies of sexual activity are the most dominant sign of sex addiction. A sex addict is often preoccupied with making up sexual scenarios in their head and cannot often control it, much as they try.
Excessive masturbation. While masturbation is considered healthy for physical and mental well-being, excessive masturbation can be related to sexual addiction. Masturbation during inappropriate times, the urge to masturbate frequently, or one that causes pain and discomfort is a sign of compulsive sexual disorder.
Spending an excessive amount of time on sex. Someone who spends a significant amount of time acquiring sex, being sexual, having sex, or recovering from a sexual experience is most likely a sex addict.
Committing sexual crimes. In extreme cases, sex addicts will engage in activities like rape, molestation, and bestiality in a bid to experience sexual pleasure. However, no evidence points to sexual addiction causing one to engage in criminal activities.
Engaging in risky sexual behaviors. A person experiencing sexual addiction will often engage in a sexual activity that can put them at significant risk. Activities like public sex, unprotected sex with strangers, and sleeping with prostitutes are such activities.
Constant depression and feelings of shame. Sexual addiction is likewise characterized by feelings of shame and depression, especially when the individual cannot control their sexual urges. This makes them feel helpless and may even stir suicidal thoughts in their mind, as well as anxiety and shame.

Question 3

Does therapy help with sexual addiction?

Accepted Answer

Yes, therapy is the best-known way to treat sexual addiction. Though most sex addicts often experience feelings of regret, shame, anxiety, and depression, causing them to hold back from opening up or going for therapy, therapy is the best path to healing.

According to WebMD, the same therapeutic approaches used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and impulsive control disorder are used to treat sex addiction. They include medication, support groups, individual therapy, trauma therapy, step programming, and other therapies.

Depending on the individual, treatment may occur at either an outpatient recovery program or a residential facility. Inpatient treatment is more advantageous as it offers a supportive and focused environment that is free from distractions and triggers and allows patients to focus exclusively on treatment.

Therapy aims at helping the individual confront their delusional sexual thoughts and shame, identify their behavioral triggers, develop positive coping mechanisms, and develop a sense of accountability for their actions.

Question 4

What does sex addiction look like in a relationship?

Accepted Answer

Like many other addictions, sex addiction constraints relationships, often causing disagreements or even breakups in extreme situations. Individuals experiencing obsessive sexual disorder are often likely to overindulge in sexual activities, sometimes even pushing their partners beyond their limit and causing them to feel shunned or mistreated.

Additionally, sex addicts find it difficult to stick to one sexual partner, even when they are aware of the detrimental effects this might bring to both them and their partners. In their pursuit of multiple sexual partners, they engage in activities like lying, neglect, bad financial decisions, and unprotected sex, which causes feelings of betrayal, anger, humiliation, and depression on the partner's side.

In extreme cases, partners of sexual addicts might be inspired to commit harmful behaviors like suicide or causing harm to their mate. Sometimes, even good intentions and great sympathy from partners trying to help them overcome sexual addiction might be pushed to the edge, especially when the sex addict is not getting professional help. Such relationships lead to a great deal of pain and regret from both sides and require professional therapy for help.

What is sex addiction?

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