Common Characteristics of Sexual Addiction

1. Sex addicts act out in isolation. Whether viewing pornography or soliciting prostitutes, sexually addictive behavior is conducted outside the realm of familiar relationships (i.e. spouse, children, friends, etc.).

2. Sexual addiction is devoid of emotional connection. The purpose of the behavior is most often a form of escaping emotional pain or discomfort rather than an attempt to foster such connection.

3. Sex addicts are deceptive with their behaviors. Lying, manipulating, and even threatening loved ones is common for sex addicts in order to perpetuate the addiction.

4. Sexual addiction is compulsive, meaning the addict has attempted to quit numerous times but is unable to sustain sobriety. In other words, the behaviors control the person rather than the person controlling the behaviors.

5. Sex addicts struggle with self-hatred, despair, and loneliness. The spiral of shame perpetuates the addictive behaviors and solidifies a core belief that the addict is unworthy of love, care, or recovery.

6. Sexual addiction is progressive in nature. Acting out behaviors cannot remain at the same "level." What might have produced a "high" yesterday will no longer do so today. Therefore, the addiction progresses (i.e. pornography leads to anonymous sex which leads to prostitution, etc.).

7. Sex addicts often struggle with significant underlying fear and anger issues. Because of the various emotional wounds the addict suffered as a child, tremendous fear and anger have been nurtured over years, even decades. Often, sex addicts are unaware of the reason for their fear and anger, but it drives them back to the familiar coping mechanism of their addiction. If you or someone you love demonstrates the above characteristics in his/her daily life, please seek help.

Source: Be Broken Ministries