You may have heard the following terms used to describe a pattern of out of control sexual behavior: sex addiction, compulsive sexual behavior, hyper-sexuality, problematic sexual behavior etc. While there is debate in the field about what to call this problem there is wide agreement that a percentage of individuals struggle with sexual behavior that escalates over time, creates negative consequences in their lives and feels out of their control.
Sexual addiction is not limited to a certain gender or about specific sexual behaviors or practices but is about the compulsive pursuit and use of sex in whatever form it may take. Sex becomes separated from intimacy, relationship, pleasure and enjoyment. Instead sex becomes focused on the high of arousal, the medication of feelings, an attempt to meet unconscious needs or the acting out of unresolved issues.
Am I Addicted to Sex?
To determine if you are struggling with sexual addiction, click below to take the free online Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST). The SAST is a validated assessment tool designed to help discriminate between addictive and non-addictive behavior.