Sex addiction is a serious mental health concern, characterized by a compulsive need to engage in sexual activities despite experiencing negative consequences as a result. It is recognized as a type of impulse control disorder, and is believed to affect as many as 6-8% of the United States population. Despite the potential severity of sex addiction, it remains a widely misunderstood and stigmatized issue, with both the sufferer and those around them struggling to comprehend the complexities of the condition.
This article will explore the condition itself, discussing symptoms, causes, risk factors, and available treatment options for sex addiction. It will further provide insight into associated challenges such as guilt and shame, as well as the important role family, friends, and healthcare professionals can play in helping to alleviate the challenges of this condition.
What Is Sex Addiction?
At its core, sex addiction is a form of sexual behavior disorder which results in an individual repeatedly seeking out sexual behaviors, despite the fact that such behaviors have potential negative consequences on the sufferer’s life. In some cases, individuals with this condition can strive to satisfy their urge by any means necessary, regardless of whether it ends up having a negative or illegal connotation or result. As such, this condition is characterized by compulsive behaviors which are in direct contrast to a person’s conscious desires, values, and beliefs.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) puts this definition into a concise, clinical form, meaning it falls into the category of Impulse-Control Disorder Not Elsewhere Classified. This means that sex addiction is identifiable through unique symptoms and not simply a person’s desire for sexual activity. Sex addiction has also been referred to as Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder and Hypersexual Disorder, although the study and research of the condition occurs independently of these terms.
Common Symptoms of Sex Addiction
In order to be diagnosed with sex addiction, the individual must display certain repeatedly occurring symptoms over a period of time. These may include, but are not limited to:
• Excessive and obsessive thoughts about sex
• Compulsive sexual behaviors, such as promiscuity, masochism, and fetishism
• Frequently engaging in sex despite potential negative consequences
• Inability to control sexual urges or behaviors
• Experiencing physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms when not engaging in sexual activities
• Becoming increasingly secretive about sexual behaviors or activities
• Feeling remorse or guilt after sexual activity
• Maintaining multiple sex partners and/or relationships simultaneously
• Regularly engaging in dangerous and/or illegal sexual activities
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of sex addiction is unknown, though it is believed to have both physical and psychological components. For instance, psychological theories suggest that a person’s predisposition for sex addiction may have its root in a troubled upbringing or trauma, suggesting that a person may use sexual behaviors as an escape, or more generally as a coping mechanism for emotional distress. Alternatively, some individuals may have difficulty controlling impulses related to sexual activity, as is common in conditions such as bipolar disorder and other impulse-control conditions. In terms of physical causes, some studies have suggested that sex addiction may be caused by an imbalance between levels of the hormones norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine.
In addition to potential physical and psychological causes, certain risk factors have been identified for sex addiction. These include:
• Family factors, such as a lack of parental discipline, or the presence of sexual or other forms of abuse
• Alcoholism or substance abuse
• Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder
• History of physical or sexual abuse
• Exposure to sexual materials or activities at an early age
• Being raised in an environment that normalizes promiscuous behavior
• A long-term partner lacking interest in sex or intimacy
• Stressful life events or periods of transition
• Easy access to pornography or other sexual activities
Treating Sex Addiction
There are multiple different treatments available for individuals with sex addiction, and it is important to remember that the most effective treatment is tailored to the individual and the specific challenges they are facing. As such, the goals of treatment can vary widely and may include, but are not limited to:
• Learning strategies to identify and modify urges to engage in sex addiction behaviors
• Implementing behavioral changes, such as avoiding triggers and engaging in healthy activities to deal with boredom
• Reducing the negative consequences of sex addiction behaviors, such as financial hardship, loss of trust, or legal consequences
• Enhancing self-esteem and self-worth
• Creating healthy coping strategies for difficult emotions
• Working through any underlying trauma which may have sparked the sex
