Signs of Sex Addiction: When sexual behavior becomes a problem
Published:
Dec 12, 2024
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06:45 p.m.
ET
Sexual desire is healthy. However, there are times when sexual behavior can be a problem for some individuals. Sexual behavior develops into a compulsive addict when it negatively impacts an individual's life. The repetitive thoughts or habits can cause issues with one's relationships, mental health, or emotional distress. Eventually, the behavior is hard to control and can cause adverse events to unfold.
Warning Signs of Sex Addiction
It's essential to be aware of the warning signs of sex addiction. Compulsive sexual behavior can have catastrophic effects if left untreated. While sex addiction isn't an official mental health disorder, it can still have devastating consequences for some individuals. Identify the following signs of sex addiction before the symptoms are uncontrollable:
Preoccupation with sexual thoughts, urges, and fantasies. An increasing obsession with sex-related events, including pornography, masturbation, or casual encounters.
Dangerous sexual acts, like having sex in inappropriate places or masturbating with hazardous objects. Some individuals compulsively act out in order to get caught or cause self-harm to their genitalia.
Engaging in compulsive sexual behavior in public places, such as work. Some individuals take these risks to get back the "high" they first got from their addiction.
Compulsively cheating on relationship partners. Or having many sexual partners as a result of a series of one-night stands and casual hookups.
Skipping special events or occasions to masturbate or have sex. Also, neglecting important obligations such as work or school.
Feelings of shame, guilt, or depression due to compulsive sexual desires. Sex addiction can worsen mental health symptoms and suicidal ideals.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as frustration or anger when not having sex or masturbating. The brain struggles with the drop in dopamine levels.
Is Sex Addiction real? Can it be diagnosed?
Yes, sex addiction is real. However, it’s not listed as an official diagnostic in the DSM-5. Still, it’s referred to as compulsive sexual disorder or hypersexuality. Sex addiction could also be related to other mental health problems, such as impulse control disorders.
The negative impacts of this behavioral disorder are real. It’s categorized by compulsive or uncontrollable behaviors that make it hard to engage in healthy sexual relations. Individuals who struggle with sex addiction might notice the negative fallout. However, it might take a rock bottom moment to make that happen.
Treatment options for Sex Addiction
Unfortunately, there’s a lack of scientific-based treatment for sex addiction due to the lack of research on this condition. Treatment typically starts by diagnosing the individual and utilizing the proper modalities to address those compulsive behaviors.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is one successful way to address the signs associated with sex addiction. One aspect of therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which identifies the negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that lead to compulsive behavior. Other common forms of individual therapy include acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based therapy, and psychodynamic therapy.
Talk therapy is available through virtual treatment. Birches Health offers a safe way to receive treatment with licensed clinicians who specialize in sex addiction.
Group Support
Group therapy offers accountability and motivation for like-minded individuals. Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) is one example of a self-help group therapy that’s based on the 12-step principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This fellowship provides a safe space for members to share their experiences with sex addiction. Meetings are available by phone, over the Internet, and in person.
In-patient vs. outpatient care
Some individuals might need intense treatment. Inpatient and outpatient care involve a 30-day or longer stay within a structured environment. Outpatient allows the individual to go to and from work or school. Both forms of care offer an immersive experience that shows patients how to apply their new coping methods in the real world.
Can women be sex addicts?
Yes, women can struggle with sex addiction. It's a misconception that women don't enjoy sex or masturbation. This can prevent some women from getting help for their addiction. A female sex addict struggles with many of the signs and symptoms of a male sex addict. However, they might experience more judgment from their family and friends.
Can medication be used to treat Sex Addiction?
Some medications have been found to treat the compulsive behaviors associated with sex addiction. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) typically target male sex hormones. They can help curb compulsive sexual thoughts and desires. Some individuals with anxiety and depression notice that these medications can cause sexual dysfunction.
Is Sex Addiction the most difficult addiction to overcome?
Since sex addiction isn’t officially diagnosed as a disorder, it can be hard to treat. According to CBN, it can be one of the most challenging behavioral addictions to overcome. Dr. Doug Weiss revealed that sex addiction is similar to drug or alcohol abuse.
It triggers the brain’s reward system, contributing to those feelings of pleasure. Some individuals rely on sex to escape from negative emotions and the pressures of daily life. Sex addiction can become a problem when it manifests into a negative coping mechanism. It’s no longer an innocent way to relieve stress.
In an interview with CBN, Dr. Doug Weiss explained how human sexuality is an intricate part of who someone is. However, some individuals seek external outlets like sex or masturbation to generate pleasure in their lives. The compulsive behavior turns into a negative coping mechanism that could have harmful impacts.
