The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, does not list “sex addiction” as a formal diagnosis. However, many people experience a persistent pattern of sexual urges or behaviors that feels difficult to control and causes real distress or impairment.
In the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), the World Health Organization recognizes compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) as a condition characterized by repetitive sexual behaviors that become a central focus of life and continue despite negative consequences. If you are unsure where you fall on that spectrum, you may want to start with our overview on help for sex addiction or learn about sex addiction rehab options and levels of care.
9 Signs You Could Be Struggling With Compulsive Sexual Behavior
As with other forms of addiction-like behavior, certain patterns can suggest the need for support. Below are nine signs that may indicate compulsive sexual behavior is affecting your life.
1. Infidelity
When sexual behavior becomes the top priority, even important relationships can take second place. Repeated infidelity, secrecy, or inability to stop pursuing sexual partners despite personal consequences can indicate loss of control.
2. Risky or Illegal Choices
Compulsive sexual behavior does not automatically mean criminal behavior. Still, some people make unsafe or illegal decisions to satisfy urges. Examples include paying for sex in a way that creates legal exposure, sexual harassment, coercive behaviors, or non-consensual activity.
If there is any concern about safety or consent, professional help is essential. If you are in immediate danger or concerned someone may be harmed, contact local emergency services.
3. Constant Sexual Thoughts
Many people with compulsive sexual behavior describe intrusive sexual thoughts, cravings, or fantasies that interfere with daily focus. If sexual preoccupation disrupts work, relationships, or responsibilities, it may signal a deeper issue.
4. Excessive Time Spent on Sex
A common pattern is a cycle of craving, seeking, acting out, regret, and repeating. Over time, the amount of time spent planning, engaging, and recovering can crowd out health, sleep, and meaningful life activities.
5. Skipping Responsibilities
Missing work, social obligations, or family time to pursue sexual behavior is a strong indicator that the behavior is becoming compulsive and impairing functioning.
6. Compulsive Masturbation or Pornography Use
Compulsive sexual behavior does not always involve partners. If masturbation or pornography use feels out of control, escalates, or interferes with daily life and relationships, it may be part of a compulsive pattern.
7. Risking Physical Health
Risky sexual behavior can include unprotected sex, anonymous encounters, or sexual activity in unsafe environments. These patterns can lead to medical risk, trauma exposure, and emotional instability.
8. Paraphilic Behaviors With Distress or Harm
Paraphilic interests are complex and not inherently pathological. The key clinical concern is whether the behavior involves non-consenting parties, causes harm, or results in distress and impairment. If you feel unable to control behaviors that create risk for yourself or others, seek professional care immediately.
9. Continuing Despite Consequences
A hallmark of addiction-like behavior is continuing despite negative outcomes. If sexual behavior persists despite financial problems, relationship damage, mental health decline, or occupational consequences, that is a meaningful red flag.
If these signs feel familiar, the next step is often learning how to overcome sex addiction and understanding what effective treatment can look like.
Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Concerns
Compulsive sexual behavior often overlaps with other concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms, and substance use. If any of these apply, addressing both the behavior and the underlying drivers tends to create better outcomes. You may find it helpful to read about depression, anxiety, and common types of addiction.
Treatment for Compulsive Sexual Behavior
Effective care starts with a clinical assessment. Treatment may include individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and targeted approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy. If family stress and trust have been impacted, family support services can also be an important part of recovery.
At The Heights Treatment, our team offers individualized support for compulsive sexual behavior and co-occurring concerns in a discreet and evidence-based setting. If you are ready to talk through next steps, contact us today.
Sources
- Kraus SW, Voon V, Potenza MN. Should compulsive sexual behavior be considered an addiction? Addiction. 2016;111(12):2097-2106. doi:10.1111/add.13297
- World Health Organization. ICD-11: Compulsive sexual behaviour disorder (CSBD) classification and diagnostic framework. Referenced in: Reed GM, et al. Innovations and changes in the ICD-11 classification of mental, behavioural and neurodevelopmental disorders. World Psychiatry. 2019;18(1):3-19.
