Sex Addiction
Sex addiction is a term often used to describe a behavioral pattern where sexual activities become a primary, uncontrollable coping mechanism. While not a formal diagnosis in all clinical manuals, it describes the experience of feeling “hooked” on the high of sexual intensity. This can lead to a cycle of shame and secrecy that isolates the individual from their loved ones. Over time, the need for more frequent or more extreme sexual experiences can escalate, mirroring the patterns seen in substance use disorders. Support groups and specialized therapy are vital tools for breaking the cycle and rebuilding a balanced life.
Is "Sex Addiction" a formal medical diagnosis?
While “Sex Addiction” is a widely used term in therapy and support groups, clinical manuals often use the term Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD). Both describe an inability to manage sexual urges that leads to negative consequences in one’s life, and both are treated with similar therapeutic approaches focused on impulse control.
