The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‑5), created by the American Psychiatric Association, does not currently list sex addiction as a diagnosable mental health disorder. Still, compulsive sexual behavior is a real and distressing problem for many people in the United States.
Research suggests that between five and seven percent of Americans are affected by an addiction to sex. Those who disagree with the DSM‑5 exclusion point out that the condition often develops and presents in ways similar to substance use disorders. In both cases, an individual experiences a loss of control over thoughts, urges, and behaviors that interfere with personal, professional, and social functioning.
9 Signs You Could Be Addicted to Sex
As with other forms of addiction, specific symptoms can signal a potential disorder. Below are nine signs that may indicate a problem with compulsive sexual behavior.
1. Infidelity
When sex becomes your top priority, even significant relationships can take second place. The inability to control the urge to seek sexual partners or engage in sexual activity—even when it means betraying someone you love—can be a warning sign of a deeper issue.
2. Criminal Sexual Behavior
Having a sexual addiction does not automatically mean criminal behavior, but some individuals may make unsafe or illegal choices to satisfy urges, such as paying for sex or participating in prostitution. Other examples include:
- Sexting with someone who turns out to be underage
- Threatening to share explicit images (sextortion)
- Posting names or photos of past sexual partners online
- Cyberbullying or harassment with sexual content
- Cyberstalking or making unwanted sexual advances online
- Viewing or sharing exploitative material involving minors
While many of these laws are rarely enforced, such actions can result in serious legal consequences.
3. Constant Sexual Thoughts
Just as people with substance use disorders experience obsessive thoughts about drugs or alcohol, those with compulsive sexual behavior often fixate on sexual thoughts and cravings. These preoccupations can make it difficult to focus on work, relationships, or daily responsibilities, and the easiest way to quiet those thoughts may be engaging in a sexual act.
4. Excessive Time Spent on Sex
A sexual addiction often creates a self‑perpetuating cycle of craving, seeking, engaging, recovering, and repeating. This process can consume most of the day, leading to exhaustion, poor performance, and withdrawal from other parts of life.
5. Skipping Activities to Engage in Sexual Acts
Addiction takes time and attention away from loved ones. Skipping social events, family time, or work obligations to pursue sexual activity is a strong indicator that the behavior is becoming compulsive.
6. Compulsive Self‑Satisfaction
Sex addiction does not always involve partners. Excessive or inappropriate masturbation can also indicate loss of control, especially when it happens at work, in public settings, or interferes with daily life.
7. Risking Health for Sex
As with other addictions, individuals may engage in risky behavior despite knowing the dangers. Examples include unprotected sex, anonymous encounters, or sexual activity in unsafe environments. These choices can lead to physical harm, sexually transmitted infections, or violence.
8. Paraphilic Behaviors
Paraphilia refers to sexual arousal from activities that cause distress or harm to oneself or others. Examples include voyeurism, exhibitionism, and sadomasochism. When these behaviors lead to distress, impairment, or non‑consensual acts, professional help is critical.
9. Continuing Despite Consequences
When a person continues to pursue sexual activity despite financial, emotional, or physical consequences, the addiction may have reached a dangerous level. Relationships may crumble, careers can be lost, and self‑esteem can plummet, yet the behavior persists.
Co‑Occurring Disorders
Sex addiction frequently co‑occurs with mental health or substance use disorders. Certain drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, can heighten sexual drive, increasing compulsive behavior. Common co‑occurring conditions include:
- Obsessive‑compulsive disorder
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post‑traumatic stress disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Codependency
To learn more about these related issues, read about the most common types of addiction and how they overlap.
Treatment for Sex Addiction
Effective treatment begins with a professional assessment. A licensed clinician can determine whether your symptoms meet the criteria for compulsive sexual behavior disorder and design a plan that fits your needs.
Treatment may include therapy, medication, or both, especially if other mental health or substance use conditions are present. Antidepressants, anti‑anxiety medications, or mood stabilizers may reduce impulsive behavior and cravings. Evidence‑based behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, or contingency management teach new coping and decision‑making skills.
Additional support through couples therapy, relationship counseling, or family therapy can help repair trust and rebuild healthy boundaries at home.
At The Heights Treatment, our clinicians offer individualized treatment for sexual addiction and co‑occurring disorders. We also provide guidance for those seeking help for sex addiction and resources on how to overcome sex addiction. Each plan is tailored to the client’s needs, ensuring privacy, discretion, and evidence‑based care in a supportive environment.
Contact us today to learn more about individualized treatment for sex and love addiction in Houston and take the first step toward lasting recovery.
