Sexual addiction, or compulsive sexual behaviour disorder, has recently become a separate diagnosis. When you have compulsive sexual behaviour and thoughts that have an adverse impact on your life or someone close to you, seeking help is a good idea.
Sexual addiction is similar to other dependencies and manifests itself in excessive and compulsive sexual behaviours and thoughts that have an adverse impact on your life and are difficult to control. Just as an alcoholic constantly thinks about alcohol, sexual addiction fills your mind with thoughts of sex. The difference is that while people don’t need alcohol to ensure their wellbeing, we do have varying needs when it comes to sex and intimacy. Accordingly, it can be difficult to determine whether someone is exhibiting compulsive sexual behaviour or simply a strong sex drive. Signs of sexual addiction can include difficulties coping at work or school and harm to your interpersonal relationships or health.
If you have sexual addiction, you no longer have control over your sexual behaviour. You have cravings and compulsions that drive you to repeat the same actions. This can be compulsive masturbation, looking at pornography, an obsession with seeking out new sexual partners, phone sex or sex with strangers or prostitutes. The dependency can escalate over time. According to research, sexual addiction is equally common among women and men.
Compulsive sexual behaviour disorder can greatly affect everyday life. It’s not uncommon for sex to become a way to numb negative emotions such as worry, anxiety, stress or low mood. Many people also get a kick from their sexual behaviour. A kick that, for the moment at least, can serve as an escape from reality. Other responsibilities suffer when your need for sexual satisfaction comes first. Afterwards, feelings of shame, emptiness and anxiety are common. There’s also an increased risk of health problems and even breaking the law if, for example, you buy sexual services.
It’s common to find it difficult to talk about sexual addiction. The feelings of shame and resignation for both yourself and your loved ones can be strong, but talking about the problem is an important way of taking care of yourself and your loved ones and dealing with what you’re going through. Your partner may think that your dependency is because your sex life isn’t satisfying enough. This isn’t the case. It’s due to your mental wellbeing and help is available. Support from family members can play an important role in the process.
An addiction affects both your life and your relationships. It also affects people close to you. When you seek help, you’ll get support to improve your mental wellbeing and change your behaviour. It will also provide an opportunity to improve your relationships.
If you need help and support, you can contact a healthcare centre or the national support line PrevenTell (020-66 77 88), which also offers support in English and can refer you to healthcare providers throughout Sweden that are used to dealing with and treating people with sexual addiction. If you’re under 23, you can contact a youth clinic. Treatment in the form of talking therapy may be required. In some cases, medicinal treatment can also help with recovery.
Reviewed by: Jussi Jokinen, professor of psychiatry, Umeå University.
Last edited 2024-01-31