Sex addiction is a pronounced, compulsive hedonistic behaviour used to achieve sexual gratification and pleasure.

Causes of sex addiction

Addiction does not arise by itself. It is a complex phenomenon influenced by many factors: biological and genetic predisposition, psychological factors (attitudes, values, motivation), the social environment and the type of addictive behaviour itself. All these factors overlap, and dependence develops.

At present, relatively little research explores the causes of compulsive sexual behaviour. Some studies note that such behaviour is characterised by severe stress, anxiety, shame and guilt.

Common symptoms of sex addiction:

  • Sexual preoccupation and a constant desire for sex;
  • Constant thoughts about sex that interfere with daily life;
  • Neglect of work and family because of sexual activity and fantasies;
  • Excessive sex despite health and social problems;
  • Frequent visits to pornographic websites.

Stages of sex addiction

Stage 1. Obsession with sexual thoughts. While dwelling on these thoughts, the person experiences a certain joy, their consciousness and perception change, and sexual fantasies are very important to the addict.

This stage can be quite long and need not be accompanied by any specific actions.

Stage 2. Certain patterns develop in which events follow one another in a strict order. This ritualisation is accompanied by a change in the psychological state of consciousness. Sex addiction allows sexual fantasies to come true and gives them time to do so.

Stage 3. At this stage the addicted person can no longer keep hiding their illness and can no longer control their actions. In this phase of sex addiction the person already feels the need to stop, no longer experiences pleasure, their self-esteem falls and an inferiority complex develops.

Stage 4. The most severe and final level of sex addiction, also known as the crisis phase. The person experiences absolute helplessness, despair and self-hatred, and is no longer able to overcome the addiction on their own.

Treating sex addiction

How to manage sex addiction:

  • Learn to control your sexual activity;
  • Work through traumatic events with a psychologist: set boundaries and protect yourself, say “yes” and “no”, and get in touch with your feelings and emotions;
  • Learn to accept your sexuality, your body and your feelings;
  • Restore your ability to be in close relationships without fear, working with a psychologist;
  • Understand the need behind the compulsive sexual behaviour;
  • Develop skills for dealing with fear, anger and anxiety (relaxation, meditation);
  • Attend support groups and therapy groups.