What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Sex Addiction?

​​Sex addiction is a bigger problem across the globe than most people realize. In the U.S. alone, the number of people currently living with sex addiction is estimated at 12-30 million. 

Unfortunately, sex addiction and trauma often go hand-in-hand. Many people who struggle with this type of addiction have experienced sexual abuse at some point in life—even as children. 

While that doesn’t excuse certain behaviors, it can help us better understand the underlying cause(s) of sex addiction, so those struggling can receive better treatment. 

Unfortunately, we’re also living in a society where certain aspects of addiction are becoming “normalized” or so familiar that many choose to ignore them. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the signs and symptoms of sex addiction. If you or someone you care about is struggling, receiving the right kind of treatment is essential for a healthy relationship with sex, as well as overall mental wellness. 

With that in mind, let’s look at some signs and symptoms of sex addiction, and what you can do if you notice them. 

Spotting a Sexual Addiction

The hard part about recognizing the signs and symptoms of sex addiction is that it can impact everyone differently. As a result, not everyone will experience the same signs. However, because it’s just a prominent problem across the country, there are some common signs to look out for. 

The most obvious? 

If sex has completely taken over someone’s life, it’s a pretty clear indicator of a problem. What does that mean, exactly? Someone with a sex addiction might withdraw from relationships or going out with friends and family members. They might give up on hobbies they enjoy, and their career might even suffer because they are so preoccupied with their addiction. 

As you might expect, that kind of “takeover” can severely impact someone's life in negative ways, but it doesn’t always cause them to stop or make changes. 

If you know someone who has withdrawn from people and activities, it doesn’t always mean they’re dealing with sex addiction, but it’s something important to keep in mind as you look for other signs. 

Preoccupation With Sexual Activities

Someone who has a sex addiction won’t just shy away from the world for no reason. Instead, they often fill their time with things like pornography, phone sex, cybersex, or even engaging in sexual activities with others in person. Many sex addicts masturbate habitually without a second thought, and it’s not uncommon for them to have multiple sexual partners. 

In some cases, people with sex addiction can end up cheating on their partners or spouses because the addiction is so intense they can’t help themselves from engaging in sex with others. 

It’s important to take these signs and symptoms seriously, but also to look at them cautiously. Nowadays, many people have at least some “obsession” with sex. That’s different from a full-blown addiction. Pay attention to patterns and behaviors, rather than the things people say about sex. That can give you a clearer picture of whether or not someone is struggling. 

What Can You Do? 

If you recognize the symptoms of sex addiction in someone you know (or in yourself), what should you do? 

Don’t hesitate to reach out. Talk to that person about getting the help they need from a therapist or counselor. Sex addiction can be hard to overcome on your own. Things like group therapy, accountability partners, and rehabilitation programs are all possible routes that can help. It’s important for anyone trying to overcome a sex addiction to have a support group they can lean on. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with sex addiction, don’t hesitate to contact us. Right now, it might feel like the addiction is taking over, but it doesn’t have to be that way forever. A healthy relationship with sex is possible.