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Could you be a sex addict?

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According to research at the National Council on Sexual Addiction Compulsion, anywhere from 6% to 8% of all Americans can be classified as addicted to sex. This represents an astounding 18-24 million people. If you ever wonder if you or your partner might be a sex addict, these signs and symptoms might help you figure it out.

There are many different criteria that psychological professionals use to determine whether or not an person is addicted to sex. Not all of the following signs and symptoms of sex addiction will apply to every individual but the displaying of one or more of them suggests that professional help should be sought out.

Signs and symptoms of sexual addiction

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  • Inability to control behavior due to sexual impulse, even with an understanding that it puts the individual’s health or relationships in jeopardy.
  • Preoccupation with sex and sexual behavior or thoughts about fetishes
  • An disproportionate amount of time spent on sex or engaging in sexual behavior
  • Engaging in high risk sex including: transmission of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, herpes or other sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Unsuccessful attempts to stop the compulsive sexual behavior.

PsychCentral has put together a sexual addiction screening test to help individuals determine if treatment may be called for.

The current lack of a consensus on clinical diagnosis, combined with cultural shame and stigma regarding sexual disorders, in general, prevents many individuals from identifying the problem and seeking help.

There are many treatment programs available that include medication, cognitive therapy and 12-step programs. It is best to consult a psychiatric care professional to help understand if any of these treatment are right for you.

 

Matthew Nappo

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