The 10 Signs of Sex Addiction
High Libido or Sex Addiction?
How much sex is too much sex?
Sex remains one of the most taboo topics in our society today. Many people are sexually active, but some of us hesitate to discuss this topic– especially with a therapist or other healthcare professional.
Sex and sexual intimacy have many positive benefits. In fact, sex adds to the human experience in various ways through building healthy connection, increasing emotional intimacy, and even increasing confidence and self-esteem. When we have emotional and physical safety in our intimate relationships or friendships, sex is a mutually enjoyable experience for all parties involved.
But– how much sex is too much?
At what point does sex transform from an enjoyable and bonding experience to a full-blown addiction? Due to the endorphins released during sexual activity (masturbation, sexual intercourse, etc), a feeling of pleasure and well-being is produced. Like substance abuse and chemical dependence, an addiction to this euphoric feeling attached to sexual activity alters brain function. Stephanie Carnes, author of Mending a Shattered Heart, defines sex addiction as an unhealthy relationship to any sexual experience that a person continues to engage in despite adverse consequences.
Listed below are 10 signs that you or your loved one may be struggling with sex addiction. An affirmative yes to 3 or more of these criteria indicate that sex addiction may be present and further assessment by a trained professional is recommended.
Recurrent failure to resist sexual impulses to engage in specific sexual behaviors.
Engaging in those sexual behaviors over a longer period of time than intended.
Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to stop or control the sexual behaviors.
Spending increased amounts of time to obtain sex, being sexual, or recovering from sexual experiences.
Preoccupation with sexual behavior or preparatory activities.
Engaging in the sexual behavior to the extent that it impacts occupational, academic, domestic, or social obligations.
Continued behavior despite having a persistent or recurrent social, financial, psychological, or physical problem that is caused or exacerbated by the sexual behavior.
A need to increase the intensity, frequency, number, or risk level of behaviors to achieve the desired effect OR diminished effect with continued behaviors at the same level of intensity, frequency, number, or risk.
Giving up or limiting social, occupational, or recreational activities due to the sexual behavior.
Distress, anxiety, restlessness, or irritability if unable to engage in the sexual behavior.
As mentioned previously, many people are hesitant to discuss sex and issues related to sex with a therapist or other healthcare professional. If you suspect that you or a loved one are struggling with sex addiction, there are many resources available to you including individual therapy with a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, group therapy, and even 12-step recovery meetings. If you are unsure about your sexual behaviors, you may opt to take the free screening linked below. The first step to recovery starts with you.
https://new.recoveryzone.com/PublicSurvey/Create?SurveyTypeID=53
About the Author
Kenyah M. Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist with experience in treating addiction and its impact on individuals and the couple system. Kenyah recognizes addiction itself as trauma and specializes in healing underlying wounds that fuel addictive processes and behaviors.