Sex addiction: signs and treatment

Compulsive sexual behavior, also called hypersexuality and sex addiction, is an intense focus on sexual behavior, fantasies, or urges that are difficult to control. This type of behavior can cause a lot of suffering and problems for your health, relationships, and work. A sex addict may experience withdrawal symptoms when they cannot engage in this addictive behavior. It is not the same as having high sexual desire, which can actually be good for your sex life. On the other hand, sex addiction can cause suffering and negatively affect your sex life. Not sure if you are a sex addict? Check out the most common symptoms and signs of sex addiction.

What is sex addiction?

Addiction is characterized by persistent desire and increased engagement that takes up a lot of time and takes precedence over other tasks or duties. Sex addiction is a compulsive pattern in which people are excessively sexually active, says mental health and behavioral science expert Dr. Sameer Malhotra. The person may experience restlessness, irritability, or withdrawal symptoms when unable to act on their addictive behavior, and as a result often neglects important tasks and obligations. According to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Psychosexual Health, about 2 to 6 percent of the general population suffers from hypersexuality.

Is sex addiction different from a high sex drive?

A high sex drive refers to a strong natural urge or desire for sexual activity, which is a normal variation of human sexuality, says the expert. It usually does not lead to negative consequences and does not significantly interfere with daily life or obligations. In contrast, sex addiction involves compulsive or obsessive sexual behavior that causes distress, disrupts daily functioning, and can lead to negative consequences such as relationship problems and health issues.

What are the causes of sex addiction?

The cause of sex addiction is not entirely clear, but it can have the following causes:

• Low serotonin and high dopamine levels in the brain
• Lack of self-control due to dysregulation in the frontal brain regions
• Unstructured time and lack of positive, constructive hobbies for healthy energy channeling
• Social isolation and loneliness

Certain medications can also trigger compulsive sexual behavior in some people. A 2010 study published in Jama Neurology found a link between some dopamine replacement-based treatments for Parkinson’s disease and increased symptoms of compulsive sexual behavior.

What are the signs of sex addiction?

Here are some signs of sex addiction:

1. Uncontrollable sex drive

A common sign of sex addiction is an uncontrollable urge to engage in sexual activity. Sufferers often spend a lot of time thinking about sex, watching pornography, or seeking sexual encounters.

2. Constantly risky sexual behavior

People with sex addiction often engage in risky behavior. They tend to have unprotected sex not only with their own partner but also with other people. They may also work as sex workers, says the expert.

3. Difficulty controlling sexual behavior

People with sex addiction have difficulty controlling their sexual behavior despite negative consequences for their personal, social, or professional lives. They often engage in inappropriate or public sexual activities and spend excessive amounts of money on sexual activities.

4. Neglecting other aspects of life

They may neglect their job, relationships, or things they once enjoyed doing. Sex addicts put sexual activities above their responsibilities, potentially leading to job loss or broken relationships.

5. Negative emotional effects

Sex addiction often leads to feelings of shame and guilt or low self-esteem. Sufferers may feel out of control and ashamed, leading to increased anxiety and depression, says Dr. Malhotra.

6. Escalation of sexual behavior

Over time, people with sex addiction may find that their previous sexual activities no longer give them the same level of satisfaction. This may lead them to seek out more extreme or frequent sexual activities to achieve the same high.

7. Use sex as a coping mechanism

Sex addicts often use any kind of sexual activity as a coping mechanism. They use it to deal with stress, boredom or loneliness, boredom. They rely on it as a primary means of emotional regulation, says the expert.

8. Excessive masturbation

Masturbation can be enjoyed by singles or even by people in a healthy relationship. It can be a healthy way to release sexual tension, but if it gets out of control, it can be a sign of sex addiction. There is no set number when it comes to masturbation, but too much would mean that you are doing it so often that it becomes uncomfortable.

What options are there to treat sex addiction?

Here are some ways to treat sex addiction:

• Take prescribed medications to balance brain chemistry. This can help relieve symptoms of mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety, the expert says.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person identify triggers for sexual impulses and then teach them how to work on their behavior.
• Establishing regular sleep habits, eating nutritious meals and staying active will promote both physical and mental health.
• Do yoga or exercise regularly to improve your mood, reduce stress and keep the body healthy by releasing feel-good chemicals in the brain.
• Take up hobbies such as writing, painting, gardening or playing music. These can provide joy and relaxation and increase mental well-being.
• Fulfilling your responsibilities at work and at home will give you a sense of purpose and achievement, which can boost your self-esteem.

Sex addiction is unhealthy because it affects a person’s life in a number of ways. It often leads to relationship problems, causes conflict and emotional stress. It can also affect mental health by causing feelings of guilt, shame or anxiety.