Addiction can be defined as a pathologic relationship with any mood altering substance or process that results in life damaging consequences. Sexual addiction is characterized by compulsive sexual thoughts and acts. Although sex is necessary for survival of the species, when this instinct exceeds its proper function, serious problems may arise. It is at that point that the natural asset of sexual desire becomes a physical and mental liability. The National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity has defined sexual addiction as "engaging in persistent and escalating patterns of sexual behavior acted out despite increasing negative consequences to self and others." So a sex addict will continue to compulsively engage in sexual behaviors, even in the face of potential health risks, financial problems, relationship problems, or arrests.

The intense sexual desire experienced by the sex addict creates an obsession with sex. Sex then begins to dominate the addicts thinking and may make it difficult to work or engage in healthy personal relationships. As with other addictions, sex addicts often rationalize/justify their behavior, blame others for their actions, and may be in denial that they have a problem. Sex addiction is more about using sex as a way to regulate mood and eliminate psychic pain than it is about the act of sex.

A wide variety of behaviors can occur with this disease. Examples may include:

• compulsive masturbation
• multiple affairs, multiple or anonymous sexual partners, and/or one-night stands
• consistent use of pornography
• frequently engaging in unsafe sex
• phone or computer sex
• prostitution or use of prostitutes
• exhibitionism
• obsessive dating through personal ads
• voyeurism or stalking
• sexual harassment
• molestation or rape

Guilt and shame are often associated with compulsively acting out sexually. Sometimes, the sex addict will remain in denial until something bad happens as a result of the addiction; such as job loss, divorce, sexually related health issues, or legal problems. Failed promises to stop the behavior is a strong indicator of possible sexual addiction.

When sexual addiction is suspected, evaluation by a healthcare provider that is skilled in identifying and treating addictions is recommended. Treatment of sexual addiction is usually combination of counseling and support groups. Counseling typically involves individual counseling, marriage/or family therapy and often times group therapy. Sex Addicts Anonymous meetings are available in many cities and provide support through the 12 step recovery method. This is not the same as group therapy, but is a voluntary self-help program. This is the same method that was originally used in the Alcoholics Anonymous program. It is now well accepted that these 12 steps can help with any addiction. Sometimes medications are also used to treat sex addiction. This further highlights the need for proper medical evaluation to increase the chances for long-term success.

One of the screening tests for sex addiction can be found at:
http://www.journeyofrecovery.org/st-sexual-addiction.htm