How to Identify if Sexual Addiction Is Taking Over Your Life

Has anyone pointed out that you seem to be preoccupied lately? Likewise, have sexual behaviors or online activities been ongoing for more than six months? Have you tried to stop but realize you can't? Do you engage in activities despite the consequences or risks? Could you have a sexual addiction? 

Many professionals recognize sexual addiction for what it is. However, it's not an official diagnosis in the DSM. Instead, it continues to be a highly debated topic and somewhat taboo conversation. Sexual addiction can lead to a loss of impulse control. Instead of dismissing thoughts, you feel compelled to act upon your urges. Likewise, many who have an addiction try to reduce or stop certain behaviors only to find they cannot.

If sexual addiction may be taking over your life, you've come to the right place. We want to help you reach your recovery goals and provide you with tools to maintain them. Let's talk about ways to identify if sexual addiction is taking over your life.

Understanding What Sexual Addiction May Look Like

Sexual addiction is like any addiction in that it can take over your normal way of life. Similarly, it too threatens your physical and mental health. Likewise, it can be rather damaging and destructive. 

There's are many reasons why the topic of sex addiction continues to be an ongoing debate. One idea is, often culture and society define acceptable. As such, the standard for deviant behavior could vary. However, it is much easier to identify addiction-like behaviors. 

Examples of addictive behaviors can include: 

• An area of life becomes unmanageable without your addiction. For example, do you feel driven to view porn to enjoy or engage in sexual intimacy? 
• You've tried to stop, but the intensity behind your urges is too much. 
• Your loved ones are expressing concerns. 
• Your addiction is interfering with everyday life. This includes impulsive thoughts that can take your focus away from work, relationships, or other priorities. 

Sexual addiction can preoccupy your mind for hours every single day. So whether it's planning or engaging in activities, you may find your thoughts revolve around sex in one way or another.

Do you find yourself sitting on the defense with your loved ones? Likewise, are you keeping secrets to avoid confrontation? 

Any and all of these behaviors may indicate sexual addiction. However, at Capstone Counseling and Coaching, we may be able to help. 

Where Do People Turn for Help With Their Sexual Addiction?

As the number of people facing sexual addiction grows, so does the number of support groups. Similarly, those who are eager to reach recovery turn to treatment with high hopes of regaining control of life. With treatment, it's not uncommon to find a second addiction or co-addiction as well as other mental health issues. 

Our goal at Capstone Counseling and Coaching is to help you recover from your sexual addiction. Furthermore, we want to set you up for success to maintain recovery and build healthy relationships. We want to see you succeed. Call us today to learn more.