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What is Sex Addiction?
In the new ICD-11, sexual addiction is a subtype of Impulse Control Disorders: Sexually Compulsive Behavior Disorder (SCBD).
According to the ICD-11 sex addiction is characterized by a persistent pattern of failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges, over an extended period (e.g. six months or more), that causes marked distress or impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning. The pattern is seen in one or more of the following:
- Engaging in repetitive sexual activities has become a central focus of the person’s life to the point of neglecting health and personal care or other interests, activities and responsibilities.
- The person has made numerous unsuccessful efforts to control or significantly reduce the repetitive sexual behavior.
- The person continues to engage in repetitive sexual behavior despite adverse consequences (e.g. repeated relationship disruption, negative impact on work or health).
- The person continues to engage in repetitive sexual behavior even when he/she derives little or no satisfaction from the repetitive sexual behavior.
- Home
- Sex Addiction
What is Sex Addiction?
In the new ICD-11, sexual addiction is a subtype of Impulse Control Disorders: Sexually Compulsive Behavior Disorder (SCBD).
According to the ICD-11 sex addiction is characterized by a persistent pattern of failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges, over an extended period (e.g. six months or more), that causes marked distress or impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning. The pattern is seen in one or more of the following:
- Engaging in repetitive sexual activities has become a central focus of the person’s life to the point of neglecting health and personal care or other interests, activities and responsibilities.
- The person has made numerous unsuccessful efforts to control or significantly reduce the repetitive sexual behavior.
- The person continues to engage in repetitive sexual behavior despite adverse consequences (e.g. repeated relationship disruption, negative impact on work or health).
- The person continues to engage in repetitive sexual behavior even when he/she derives little or no satisfaction from the repetitive sexual behavior.
What is a Sex Addict?
A person who exhibits any of the mentioned behaviors for more than a 6 month period of time. This addiction typically looks like a consistent pattern of failure to control intense and persistent sexual urges. These behaviors will take priority and interfere with your relationships and ability to function within many or all areas of your life.
Have sexual fantasies and behaviors become priority over socializing with your friends, family and significant others? Is your sleep and work life constantly interrupted by this behavior? Are your ideas of love and intimacy restricted to just sex? Have feelings of isolation or emptiness? Explore our website and learn more about the factors and symptoms of sex addiction to inform your next steps.
Some characteristics of sex addiction include:
- Engaging in repetitive sexual activities to the point of neglecting health and personal care or other interests, activities and responsibilities.
- Numerous unsuccessful attempts to control or significantly reduce repetitive sexual behavior.
- Continuing to engage in repetitive sexual behavior despite adverse consequences
- Continuing to engage in repetitive sexual behavior even when he/she derives little or no satisfaction from it.
Am I a Sex Addict?
You deserve recovery from sexual addiction without judgment or humiliation. Click the button below to take a free, confidential assessment and learn more about sex addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most people struggling with sex addiction, it starts in adolescence with normal curiosity, but for millions of teens, it triggers the pleasure center of the brain in a deeper way, and obsession and preoccupation with fantasy and lustful thoughts begin to occupy more time. It may develop into long hours on the internet looking at pornography or obsessed with chat rooms, hookup or dating sites, and sexual objectification in many forms.
As a partner of a sex addict, we encourage you to reach out today to gain the support and guidance you deserve as you navigate the path toward your own healing and recovery. We will support your desire for a full therapeutic disclosure in a manner that rebuilds trust between you and your partner. We will help you find your voice, gain empowerment, and build boundaries to keep you safe as you journey through discovery, disclosure and recovery.
Whether it is your partner, husband, wife, boyfriend or girlfriend, we will support you with the resources needed to keep you anchored during this journey. For further study, check out our Resource Page and complete the intake form so we can connect with you and support you through your own journey towards wholeness and healing.
