Symptoms and causes of sex addiction

Sexual addiction is a pronounced compulsive hedonistic behavior that is used to achieve sexual satisfaction and pleasure.

Causes of sex addiction

Addiction does not occur by itself, it is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by many factors: biological and genetic predisposition, psychological factors (attitudes, values, motivation), social environment, and the type of addictive behavior itself. All these factors overlap with each other, addictive behavior occurs.

Currently, there are not many studies that reveal the causes of compulsive sexual behavior. Some have noted that this behavior is characterized by severe stress, anxiety, shame, and guilt.

Common symptoms of sexual addiction:

• Sexual preoccupation and constant desire for sex;

• Constant thoughts about sex that interfere with daily life;

• Neglecting work and family because of sexual activity and fantasies;

• Excessive sex despite health and social problems;

• Frequent visits to pornographic websites.

Stages of sexual addiction

Stage 1: Obsession with sexual thoughts. At the time of these thoughts, the person experiences a certain joy, their consciousness and perception changes, sexual fantasies are very important for the addict. 

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

Step 2: Some models have been developed in which events follow one after another in a strict order. Such ritualization is accompanied by a change in the psychological state of consciousness. Sexual addiction allows sexual fantasies to come true and gives them time to come true. 

Phase 3: In this phase, the addict can no longer constantly hide his disease, he can no longer control his actions. A person in this phase of sexual addiction already feels the need to stop, he no longer experiences pleasure, self-esteem falls, and an inferiority complex appears.

Phase 4: The most severe and final level of sexual addiction. This is also known as the distress phase. The person experiences absolute helplessness, despair, hatred of his own personality, he is no longer able to cope with the addiction on his own.

Sex addiction treatment

How to manage sex addiction:

• Learn to control your sexual activity;

• Work through traumatic events with a counselor: set boundaries and protect yourself, say yes and no, get in touch with feelings and emotions;

• Learn to accept your sexuality, your body, your feelings;

• Recover the ability to be in intimate relationships without fear by working with a counselor;

• Understand the need for compulsive sexual behavior;

• Develop skills to deal with fear, anger, anxiety (relaxation, meditation);

• Attend support groups, therapy groups.