What are the top signs of a sexual addiction?

Sex, porn and masturbation addiction are three very different addictions yet they all fall under the same umbrella. While there are many differences a person will experience when struggling there are also many similarities. No matter what behavior you are struggling with, there are ways to get help so that you can be the person you were meant to be, not one bogged down with these addicting behaviors. Here are the top signs of a sexual addiction. 

1. You can’t stop.

This may seem obvious but it’s the most simple way to determine whether or not a person has a problem with sex, porn or masturbation. Overtime, you may start to notice repetitive behaviors. Not being able to stop the behavior is one of the first signs that help is needed to kick this addiction to the curb. 

2. You want more.

Like most addictions, the behavior doesn’t stop when the urge is satisfied. A person who struggles with sex, porn and masturbation will show a lack of control and want more all the time even if they have exactly what they need in their life. 

3. You’ve lost time.

In life, there should always be a healthy balance that includes taking time for your physical health, your mental health, and relationships. If you are finding it hard to maintain balance but find time for sex, porn or masturbation then that could be a sign of a problem. 

4. You’ve lost interest.

This is very broad but if you are losing interest in things you used to enjoy then this could be a sign of an addiction. You should have a things that you enjoy that don’t involve sex, porn or masturbation. Again, life is about having a balance. 

5. You are being more demanding. 

If you start to notice that you are being more demanding in your relationships this could be a sign that your brain has started to change as a result of a sexual addiction. 

6. You don’t find people attractive anymore. 

You know your preferences or at least what they once were. When you are addicted to sex, porn or masturbation, you may lose attraction which can cause sexual dysfunction and relationship issues which is also a sign of the brain’s changing chemistry. 

7. You are in physical pain.

This is a sign that is often not talked about too often. The physical effects of sex, porn and masturbation can be painful. Having too much sex, viewing too much or masturbating too much can take a physical toll on the body. 

8. You have lost money. 

Engaging in sexual behaviors can cause people to not think clearly about things and have a loss of control. If you are losing money due to sex, porn or masturbation, you may have a problem. 

9. You are distracted. 

Symptoms of an addiction can vary from person to person but most people who struggle with sexual behaviors are very distracted in their day to day life and this can lead to poor experiences in day to day life. 

10. You are angry. 

A behavioral addiction can cause anger, loss of control and compulsive behavior. Therapy can usually help with this as well as taking time each day to work on self-control. 

Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder

When someone struggles with a mental disorder as well as a substance use disorder, this is called a co-occurring disorder. So if you are here struggling with a sexual behavioral addiction or sexual behavior disorder as well as alcohol or drugs then just know, you are not alone. The best way to go about treating this is to tackle treating both, your mental health disorder (your sexual addiction) as well as your substance use, at the same time. It’s important to work through any past traumas such as childhood sexual abuse as well as work on changing your behavior in present day. Talking to a mental health professional is a good first step but you need to have a strong program that can help walk you through the entire process step by step so that you can get the help you need. 

Is Pornography Addictive?

Yes! One of the most addictive behaviors there is today. The porn industry is worth billions of dollars and their goal, like tobacco, alcohol, etc. is to make sure their users are coming back for more. Porn addicts abuse pornographic material in a way that feeds their desires while hurting their body physically and mentally. Pornographic material is very different today, more graphic, darker and shot in a way that causes the brain to seek more and more. Excessive porn viewing can lead to viewing problematic pornography. Like other addictions, quitting porn can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, tiredness, and brain fog. These negative effects will make it difficult to not relapse. Porn addicts have a different sexual desire; their sexual desire usually comes from a warped sense of reality caused by their pornography usage. Porn addicts often struggle with regular sexual encounters due to the dopamine that is released in their brain while watching porn. If you are concerned that your relationship with porn or viewing pornography is leading you down a dark path or causing withdrawal symptoms, it’s probably time that you seek porn addiction treatment. 

Talking About Porn Addiction

Talking about masturbation, sex and addiction to porn isn’t easy. I find that most people have a tougher time talking about porn addiction. Their experience is usually filled with shame and fear that people will judge them. Porn addiction is very real and very hard to talk about. This is why getting help from the comfort of your own home, can be a truly beneficial experience. Symptoms of porn addiction are similar to those who struggle with sex and masturbation but the most common signs of porn addiction is sexual dysfunctions and over consumption or excessive porn watching. Sexual dysfunctions make a big impact on people’s sex lives and intimate relationships which can be devastating. If you are struggling with the effects of porn addiction, please reach out. We are here for you. 

The Influence of Social Media on Sex, Porn and Masturbation 

It’s no surprise that the addiction rate on sex, porn and masturbation has sky rocketed in recent years. Prior to social media, very few people would meet the criteria for a diagnosis and now so many people are being diagnosed with hypersexual disorder, sex addiction and internet pornography addiction. Those who struggle with sex addiction are able to meet people much more easily online now due to apps and websites geared for sex. This makes a great impact on true romantic relationships. Porn is also so easily available now as well. Overconsumption can lead to problematic pornography too. 

Mental Illness And Addiction: Which Came First?

The chicken or the egg? Some people use sex, porn and masturbation to cope with their mental illness and others, sex, porn and masturbation caused them to have a mental health conditions It’s important to treat both; mental health issues and addiction at the same time. For example, if you struggle with hypersexual disorder as well as anxiety, you must treat both at the same time or your quality of life will be a constant struggle. If you struggle with substance addiction and sex addiction, again treating both at the same time is crucial to your recovery. 

Break Free from Addiction

Breaking free from addictive behavior is always a challenge. Whether it’s alcohol addiction, gambling addiction, sex, porn or masturbation, it’s going to cause mental health issues. Impulse control disorder is common for those who struggle with sex, porn and masturbation as these behaviors literally change the brain activity. Consumption of pornography and some porn content can lead to dysfunction, feelings of guilt, feelings of shame and reduced sexual activity. When you break free from your addiction you will have great things like a meaningful sexual experience and overall better physical and mental health. Treatment for porn addiction and sex addiction is critical if you want to get back to real life and have meaningful experiences in your daily life. 

Talking about masturbation, lovemaking, sex and addiction to pornography isn’t easy. I feel that most people have a tough time talking about porn addiction because they’re afraid that people will judge them and think less of them. Porn addiction is extremely real and really hard to talk about. That’s why having support from family and friends is such an essential part of treatment. You don’t need to have an official diagnosis to get help. 

Therapy

Finding the right program for sex, porn and masturbation addiction is critical. Here at CSPMA we have a program that is designed to help you break free from your addiction. At the same time, we encourage all of our students to talk to medical professionals about their sexual activity. Some people struggle with a traumatic past experience such as sexual abuse while others are struggling with their current situation and may struggle with things like depression or anxiety. Either way,  commitment therapy is encouraged as a way to enhance the overall recovery experience. Please reach out if you have any questions.