What Is A Sex Addiction?

Acting impulsively on sexual behaviours and urges is a problematic aspect for some people. Often, individuals addicted to sex are at a high rate for divorce, family turmoil, financial losses, and prone to getting sexually transmitted infections as a result.

Luckily, there are various treatment methods and services offered in Ontario that can help those individuals suffering from hypersexuality, or more commonly known as sex addiction.  

Different Types Of Sexual Addiciton

Sex addicition can come in different forms, and these mostly include the following:

• Pornography.
• Masturbation or fantasy.
• Prostitution.
• Masochistic or sadistic behaviour.
• Voyeurism.
• Exhibitionism.
• Other excessive sexual pursuits.

What Are The Symptoms?

In many cases, sex addiction, or hypersexuality, is a coping mechanism for individuals which is used to manage an uncomfortable emotional state. It is very similar to the role that drugs and alcohol play in an addict’s life. Sex addcits don’t look for intimacy, but rather develop a dependence on orgasm-induced highs. What makes sex addiction even more problematic in our current time is the abundance of pornographic content online, along with the ability to connect with multitudes of local partners via various dating apps. And just like any other addictive behaviour, there are also risks and consequences related to sex addiction.

There are some major signs that a person is a sex addict. These include:

• Unable to stop: Even though sex addcition can be harmful to one’s own health and endanger their relationships with family and friends, the compulsion for sexual release can take over a person’s life completely. 
• Secretive behaviour: In many cases, a sex addict can feel ashamed or embaressed by their compulsion for sexual gratification, and so they will cover up their sexual activities or simply lie about them to their partner.  
• Preoccupied with sex most of the time: For many people, thinking of and imagining their next sexual encounter or act can considerably preoccupy their time. Sex addicts will often neglect their family, social, and employment obligations and instead will focus on satisfying their sexual urges.

Consequences Of Sex Addiction

The consequences of sex addiction can be severe and even devastating for some people. According to the Departmental Management of the USDA, sexually transmitted infections become highly likely for those engaging in risky sexual beahaviours: 38% for males and 45% for females. 

Another serious consequence of sex addiciton is an unwanted pregnancy. One survey from the United States has shown that nearly 70% of women became pregnant as a direct result of their sexually addictive behaviour. 

Sexual addiciton can also weigh heavily on one’s own mental health. Common mental health problems related to sex addction can include:

• Anxiety: feelings of shame, inadequacy, emotional distress. 
• Depression.
• Substance abuse. 
• Problems with impulse control. 
• Obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD).

If you or a loved one is exhibiting the above mentioned symptoms, perhaps it is time to seek help for sex addiction. Please feel free to contact us today so that we may get you on the path to recovery and wellbeing again.