If you recognize yourself in the descriptions of sexual addiction, know that it is possible to recover and reclaim control of your life. You don't have to begin recovery alone. There is help and support. Sexual addiction manifests as an ongoing and potentially escalating pattern of compulsive sexual behavior despite the awareness of its detrimental impact on one's life.  Professionals in the addiction field regard sexual addiction as a "Process Addiction," noting numerous similarities and parallels with substance use disorder.

A variety of general features or aspects of sexual addiction are evident in the terms and phrases listed below used by a variety of professionals to label it:

Hypersexuality:
Compulsive Sexual Behavior:
Sexual Compulsion:
Sexual Dependency
Sexual Impulse Control Disorder:
Problematic Sexual Behavior:
Out-of-Control Sexual Behavior:
Sexual Obsession:
Intimacy Disorder:
Sexual Addiction Disorder:

Sexual addiction generally refers to a pattern of out-of-control sexual behaviors that have negative consequences for an individual's life. The terminology labeling sex addiction reveals some of the common features of sexual addiction. Some of the key features include:

Compulsion:  Mood-altering effects of compulsive sexual behavior provide neurological rewards that drive the compulsion. The mood-altering properties contribute to the reinforcement and maintenance of the behavior. Addictions, including sexual addiction, are characterized by compulsions to seek a substance or behavior that provides neurological rewards.

Compulsion, where individuals feel driven to engage in certain activities despite adverse consequences, contributes to the addictive nature of compulsive sexual behaviors and the difficulty individuals face in controlling these behaviors.

Pattern of Out-of-Control Behaviors: Sexual addiction typically involves a pattern of behaviors that are perceived as out of control or compulsive, leading to negative consequences in various areas of an individual's life
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Excessive Sexual Appetite: Individuals with sexual addiction may exhibit an excessive sexual appetite, engaging in sexual behaviors beyond what is considered healthy. Sexual activity becomes someone's most important "need."
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Clinical Descriptions: The concept of sexual addiction often involves clinical descriptions of behaviors that are perceived as addictive or compulsive, impacting the individual's well-being and functioning. Sexual addiction is associated with relationship problems, emotional distress, and impairment in daily functioning.

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What Causes Sexual Addiction?

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By Peggy L. Ferguson, Ph.D.

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Several potential influences that are believed to contribute to the development of sexual addiction are listed here: 

Neurobiological Factors: Research has suggested that neurobiological factors, such as alterations in brain function and reward processing, may contribute to the development of addictive behaviors, including compulsive sexual behaviors.
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Psychological Factors: Psychological factors, such as underlying mental health conditions, trauma history, attachment issues, and personality traits, have been implicated in the development of compulsive sexual behaviors.
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Environmental Factors: Environmental influences, including early exposure to sexual content, dysfunctional family dynamics, social norms around sexuality, and cultural factors, may also play a role in shaping individuals' attitudes and behaviors related to sex and intimacy.
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Interpersonal Factors: Relationship dynamics, interpersonal conflicts, intimacy issues, fragility and difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships can contribute to the development of compulsive sexual behaviors.  Sex addiction is often referred to as an "intimacy disorder."
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Coping Mechanisms: Some individuals may use compulsive sexual behaviors in place of coping skills to manage stress, emotional pain, loneliness, or other negative emotions, using sex as a means of self-soothing or escape.

Professionals examine the complex interplay of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors contributing to vulnerability to a compulsive cycle of acting out. When an individual pursues recovery from sexual addiction, it becomes crucial to comprehend these factors for accurate assessment and treatment. However, similar to other addictions involving mood-altering substances or behaviors, halting the momentum of addiction is a prerequisite for initiating the recovery process.

Some of the personality characteristics associated with vulnerability to develop sexual addiction include impulsivity, sensation seeking, neuroticism (characterized by emotional instability, anxiety, and negative affect), attachment styles (e.g., insecure attachment or difficulties in forming secure emotional bonds with others, low self-esteem, and avoidance coping (using addictive behavior or substances in place of coping strategies.)

These personality factors interact with other biological, psychological, and environmental influences to shape an individual's vulnerability to developing sexual addiction or compulsive sexual behaviors.

Like alcoholism and other drug addictions, sexual addiction provides only temporary relief from emotional/psychological distress and ultimately sabotages emotional satisfaction.  Acting out often leads to shame and guilt, followed by a desire and maybe a self-promise to stop the behavior. However, the compulsive cycle persists. Like other addictions, a loss of control over the behavior develops.

Sexual addiction doesn't only affect the person with sexual addiction but also has profound consequences on the lives of family members and friends. There are natural (and sometimes legal) consequences of this addiction.

"Loss" is a common consequence of sexual addiction. It can result in losses across multiple life domains, including close relationships, legal consequences such as imprisonment, financial setbacks, diminished self-esteem, a sense of disconnection from one's life, and compromised health. These are often the same losses experienced in alcohol and drug addiction.

Like other addictions, those struggling with sex addiction seek an escape, attempting to alter their feelings and "reality" through sex, which becomes their mind/mood-altering drug of choice. Any mood-altering behavior can become compulsive or addictive. People with sexual addiction often have preferences for acting out, such as masturbation, internet sex, phone sex, encounters with prostitutes, voyeurism, serial infidelity, and more. Sexual addiction tends to be progressive, with behaviors intensifying in frequency, intensity, or inappropriateness. It can evolve from seemingly innocuous behaviors like occasionally watching mildly pornographic cable movies to illegal or dangerous activities, such as window peeping or assault.

As indicated above, sexual addiction is associated with specific personality and psychological characteristics. Some of the common factors that are prevalent among people with sexual addiction include:

Difficulties forming close, intimate attachments,
Fear of intimacy, including authentic self-disclosure,
Fear of rejection.
Fear of not being able to engage in the desired behavior,
Fear of exposure of their covert activities,
Fear of loss,
Shame, feelings of worthlessness, and loneliness
A history of childhood sexual abuse or early exposure to sexual materials.
Dishonesty and compulsive lying for covering up a dual life,
Feeling alienated from self and one's own life.

Living in constant fear is a common thread. There is often a fear of obstacles in the way of acting out, fear of continued engagement, fear of getting caught, and fear of losing valued aspects of life, such as family, job, or reputation. Moreover, sexual addiction frequently co-occurs with alcohol and other drug addictions, which enable, interact, exacerbate, and accelerate the progress of addictions.

Anyone who suspects they may be dealing with a sexual addiction would be well-advised to take proactive steps to seek help. Acknowledging and accepting the possibility of having a sexual addiction is a crucial and empowering first step. This initial self-awareness and willingness lay the foundation for achieving recovery. Asking for help is a sign of strength and an essential step toward regaining control over one's life.

The next step involves seeking professional guidance and support from someone specializing in sexual addiction who can provide a confidential and non-judgmental space for self-exploration. Expert assistance and support can help you manage the complexities of interrupting the momentum of addiction, address underlying issues, and develop coping mechanisms that ultimately replace compulsive sexual behavior. Joining support groups or attending meetings for sexual addiction recovery can offer a sense of community and understanding from others who have faced or are facing similar challenges. Arm yourself with all the helpful information you can find. Online resources, hotlines, and helplines are valuable tools for immediate support and information.

When seeking help, it's helpful to involve trusted friends, family members, or partners. Note that it may be advisable, however, to have professional guidance for the disclosure to important people in your life.  The effort it takes to build a robust support system is worth it.  Not only does a support system aid in the recovery journey but also helps individuals feel less isolated in their struggles. Take action immediately if you think you have a sexual addiction. You can find assistance and recovery before you've lost everything. Those with the best prognosis for sustained recovery often have intact the foundational elements of their lives, including marriages, family, jobs, homes, and friends. Overcoming the defense mechanisms that tell you that you don't need help is one of the most challenging aspects of early recovery. Note: This article was updated and edited from a 2009 version with the same title, published on WWW.PEGGYFERGUSON.COM.