Sexually Compulsive Behaviour
​If you find yourself on this page then you are either curious as to what sex addiction is or concerned about yourself or someone elses behaviour. If you are curious I hope that you gain a really helpful insight from this page. If you are concerned then I hope you find the comfort and the hope you are looking for.
I can work with people who display sexually compulsive behaviour and partners of people who display sexually compulsive behaviour
I am a COSRT member - College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists
The phrase ‘sex addiction’ can mean many things to many people and other phrases such as ‘sexually compulsive’ or ‘sexually dependent’ as well as porn addict, love addict and out of control behaviours can all describe similar compulsive behaviours. How you describe your own behaviours is not important, the impact those behaviours are having on you, those around you and your daily life are.
By way of a definition, “sex addiction” is described as a compulsive need to perform sexual acts in order to achieve the kind of “fix” that a person with alcohol use disorder gets from a drink or someone with opiate use disorder gets from using opiates.
For some people, sex addiction can have many associated risk factors such as alcohol or drug dependence and may result in considerable difficulties with relationships. It has the potential to negatively impact a person’s physical and mental health, personal relationships, quality of life, and personal safety.
Symptoms of Sex Addiction
As sexually compulsive behaviour is very specific per individual it is difficult to list a set of specific symptoms. However, in exploring your behaviour consider the following:-
-
Does your sexual behaviour have a negative impact on other areas of your life?
-
Does your behaviour contradict your personal values?
-
Have you tried to stop certain behaviors but so far have failed?
-
Are you secretive or fear being discovered?
-
Are your behaviours increasing in frequency in order to achieve the same level of fulfillment?
-
Do you turn to sexual behaviour to help you deal with difficult emotions?
​
If you feel you would like to discuss this further please get in touch.
If you would like more information on working with sexually compulsive behaviour click here