We know the title will catch the attention of a lot of people, but it’s a phrase that is literally typed into online search for thousands of Americans each month, along with “is being a nympho bad” and “is it bad to be addicted to sex” along with a number of other semantic variations. These questions are also posed to counselors and therapists who specialize in treatment for compulsive sexual behavior (also known as hypersexuality).
The motivation is understandable, given that an active sex life can absolutely be a healthy and normal part of the human experience. That being said, as with any activity that can cause a large spike in neurotranmitter levels in the brain, there is a risk of it becoming an all consuming part of one’s existence. It’s why you used the word “addict” in the query that brought you to this very article. While some may assume that as long as they are practicing safe sex they are free from risk, you have a sneaking suspicion that the answer involves more than the the mitigation of STDs and unplanned pregnancies. In other words, you’re wondering if there are other implications at play, including those that pertain to mental health.
So is being a sex addict a bad thing from a holistic perspective? It depends on the following.
How to Determine if Your Highly Active Sex Life is a Risk to Your Mental Health and Wellness
Symptoms of a Problematic Relationship with Sex
There are potential causes of compulsive sexual behavior, which include the following:
- Neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain
- Medical conditions such as epilepsy and dementia
- Genetic factors
- History of emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse
You can read more about potential causation factors right here if you desire. Instead, we want to focus more on your question about if sex “addiction” (as you call it) is having a negative impact on your life. To answer this, we must look at signs and symptoms of a problematic relationship with sex which include the following:
- An inability to control compulsion to have sex resulting in sex with multiple partners, including strangers.
- Frequent infidelity while in a supposed monogamous relationship.
- Solicitation of sex from sex-workers to satisfy urges.
- Practicing unsafe sex with multiple partners, including strangers.
- Unable to concentrate at work or other activities due to being consumed by thoughts of sex.
- Lying to friends and loved ones to cover up sexual promiscuity.
- Loss of interest in other hobbies and activities.
- Using sex as a coping mechanism regarding life’s stressors.
- Forcing yourself sexually on others.
- Feeling shame, embarrassment and/or remorse immediately after having sex.
If you exhibit any combination of the above, you will want to speak with a counselor.
Cooccurring Sex Related Compulsions
Regardless of whether or not you exhibit one or more of the symptoms of sex addiction above, you must also consider your compulsions as they may apply to other sex-related behaviors. These include compulsive consumption of pornography and compulsive masturbation. We have provided detailed reference materials for each to help you determine if you may have a problematic relationship with these activities. Please click the links below to find out where you stand:
If you check any of the proverbial boxes regarding these other hypersexual behaviors, intervention is indeed required. But first, keep reading.
Cooccurring Mental / Behavioral Health Issues
There are mental and behavioral health issues that are known to co-exist / cooccur with sex addiction. While they are not necessarily causation factors for sex addiction (or vice versa) they can threaten wellness even further and make escaping the grip that compulsive sexual behavior may have on your life more challenging. If you struggle with any of the following, your perceived sex addition can be a bad thing:
- Anxiety disorder
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Bipolar disorder (learn more)
- Depression
- Gambling disorder (GD)
- Gaming disorder (predominantly in males)
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Substance use disorder (SUD)
An individual who struggles with one or more of the disorders above must be very mindful about their relationship with sex. If you’re among them, seek help from a qualified professional.
Has today’s article provided insight into your concerns regarding sex addiction? If you’re ready to talk to someone, please ensure that they are qualified not only to provide a treatment plan for compulsive sexual behavior, but for co-existing issues that may persist in your life. Kindbridge Behavioral Health has qualified therapists on staff who are ready to provide online counseling support than can begin today. Reach out via the contacts provided below to schedule a session with a Kindbridge care coorindator.
Let’s Talk About Your Relationship with Sex
CALL +1 (877) 426-4258
OR
Email [email protected]
