Reading Time: < 13 Mins
Sex addiction refers to the engagement in compulsive sexual act despite negative consequences that may result from it.
Otherwise known as compulsive sexual behavior or hypersexuality disorder, the development of the condition can take a similar pattern with other addictions, such as substance abuse and alcohol use disorder.
Sex addiction describes the behavior of a person who struggles to control sexual impulses. People suffering from the condition are also excessively preoccupied with sexual thoughts and fantasies.
Sexual addiction may involve a wide array of commonly pleasurable sexual experiences, including masturbation, cybersex, pornography viewing, or multiple sexual partners.
Signs that are indicative of what is sexual addiction can be physical or emotional. The most common symptoms of sex addiction are listed below.
Sex addiction can develop due to a complex interplay of factors. The causes of sex addiction are listed below.
Sex addiction can lead to serious consequences in a person’s life. The effects of sex addiction are listed below.
The most commonly recommended treatments for sex addiction include medications, inpatient treatment, 12 step programs, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Treatments may vary depending on the underlying cause and how it affects the addict’s life. Several factors contribute to the development of compulsive sexual behaviors and no exact symptoms constitute what is a sex addict.
Certain drug therapies may work for some people whose sex addiction is associated with an underlying anxiety disorder or mood disorder. The use of medications in such cases may be useful in reducing compulsive urges linked to sexual addiction.
Several rehab centers offer sex addiction recovery programs. In inpatient therapy, the patient is taken away from the temptations of everyday life and resides at the recovery facility for at least 30 days. Inpatient treatment helps the addict focus on the healing process and regain control of sexual impulses.
Another treatment option for sex addiction are 12-step programs such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA). 12-step recovery programs offer a good support system through group meetings with other individuals dealing with the same addictive behaviors.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy used by a licensed mental health professional to help individuals struggling with sexual addiction identify what triggers sexually destructive behaviors. The ultimate goal of CBT is to alter self-destructive thoughts and gain control over them.
The key difference between sex addiction vs. porn addiction is the subject of satisfaction for the addict. Sex addiction directly involves other people in satisfying sexual urges. On the other hand, porn addiction only involves a screen or other pornographic material that the person is viewing.
The sex addict definition is someone who constantly hunts for new partners and new means to satiate sexual urges. Therefore, sex addicts are often extroverted and always eager to mingle.
Meanwhile, people who are addicted to pornography are more likely to be introverted and may prefer to stay at home.
The difference between sex addiction and sex offenders is that sex addiction is a condition characterized by the inability to control one’s sexual urges while sex offenders are people who have been convicted due to engagement in a criminal sexual act that is often against the will of the other person involved.
In other words, a sex addict engages in certain consensual sexual behaviors that end up affecting personal relationships and quality of life. However, a sex offender engages in nonconsensual sexual activity.
There is a significant association between sexual addiction and mental health conditions such as mood and personality disorders. In fact, the connection of sex addiction to mental health disorders is supported by research.
According to studies, 40% of individuals who struggle with compulsive sexual behaviors also have a history of mood disorders including depression.
Clinical depression often occurs alongside sex addiction. The link between depression and sexual addiction may explain why antidepressants are helpful in sexual addiction treatment.
Several types of sex addiction exist. The most common ones are listed below.
The most common types of sex addiction are exhibitionism, exploitative sex, intrusive sex, paid sex, and voyeurism.
One of the defining features of sex addiction is the inability to control a person’s sexual behavior despite clear negative consequences. Additionally, as mentioned in the ‘what is addiction’ section, individuals struggling with sex addiction become excessively preoccupied with sexual thoughts or behaviors that give the desired effect.
A person addicted to sex spends a significant amount of time thinking about or engaging in sexually addictive behaviors. Examples of addictive acts include compulsive masturbation, having multiple affairs or one-night stands, viewing pornographic material, or having contacts with prostitutes.
Yes, sex addiction can be treated with the help of a medical professional like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or sex therapist.
Although not currently recognized as a diagnosable condition, the treatment for sexual addiction takes a similar path with other addictions like substance misuse disorder.
A team of experts is often involved in the treatment of the disorder. Mental health professionals will guide a person on how to overcome sexual addiction and address the factors that trigger the compulsive behavior.
No, there is currently no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved sex addiction drug medication available in the market. It is worth noting, however, that some people who suffer from the condition may benefit from the use of medications.
This is applicable in cases where sex addiction co-occurs with certain mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Medications that may be used in providing sex addiction help include antidepressants and mood stabilizers.
In general, antidepressants and mood stabilizers act on brain chemicals associated with addictive behaviors, ultimately reducing compulsive sexual urges.
Sex addiction affects the brain in ways that are similarly seen in drug addicts when consuming drugs. Evidence exists that food, drugs, and sex all share the same pathway to the reward system in the brain.
For instance, in a study conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge, study authors looked at brain activity in 19 men with sex addiction and 19 men without the disorder. While viewing pornography, the participants affected by compulsive sexual behavior showed greater activity in the areas of the brain involved in processing reward and motivation compared with the healthy volunteers.
The same areas of the brain become highly activated in people with drug addiction when using drugs.
This may explain why a sex addict’s judgment becomes impaired as the brain encourages the person to engage in risky behaviors in pursuit of the reward experience. Certain sex addiction recovery programs address the condition by aiming to alter thoughts of engaging in sexual behaviors.
A person may overcome sex addiction by reaching out for support. Sex addiction rehab centers exist to provide the right treatment for a person, including support groups.
However, the first step to getting support is finding a trusted person to confide in. Trusted persons may include family members, friends, or a significant other. It is worth remembering that the sex addiction definition is the inability to control sexual impulses and involves persistent thinking about sex.
Having one person listen to these thoughts and desires can help a person be more confident about reaching out to more people. In 12-step recovery programs, group meetings consist of people who share the same experiences about struggling with sex addiction. Having proper treatment for compulsive sexual behavior is equally important as having a strong support system.
A support group may help fill a gap between medical treatment and the need for quality emotional support.
Yes, sex addiction can be treated in rehab if the person is willing to accept professional help. The appropriate therapeutic approach may depend on the sex addict’s needs, motivation levels, and co-occurring conditions.
Sex addiction can be treated in rehab through the following therapeutic approaches:
Sexual addiction counseling is necessary when moving individuals past obsessions and compulsions. The main goal of counseling is to navigate through and rectify the underlying causes that resulted in the development of sex addiction.
Counselors can help people get to the roots of sex addiction and address different issues that co-occur with the disorder, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, or codependency.
Having therapeutic sessions with a licensed therapist is a step towards more positive relationships and a healthier outlook in life.
People may benefit from the different types of counseling, including individual, couples, and group therapy.
Certain signs that are indicative of sex addiction withdrawal may overlap with a number of sex addiction symptoms. Symptoms may look different for everyone. The most common withdrawal symptoms of sexual addiction are listed below.
Symptoms can manifest in physical and emotional ways. The most common symptoms of sex addiction dependence are listed below.
