Am I A Sex Addict? The Difference Between Hypersexuality and Addiction

When we think of hypersexuality , we often think of some of TV’s most beloved coitus connoisseurs. Characters like How I Met Your Mother’s Barney, Sex and the City’s Samantha Jones, and even the Golden Girl herself, Blanche Devereaux. These revered supporting roles always seemed ready for a romp or a roll in the hay. But were these beloved B-plots just hypersexual, or were they showing signs of hypersexuality ? Most likely, they were just superbly sex-positive. But it does raise a question: where is the line between Barney and a full-blown nympho? When does it become a problem? Today, Popstar delves into compulsive sexual behavior and the signs of sex addiction .

Before we dissect sexual addiction signs , we first need to discern what it is about sex that can make it so addicting. The true pitfalls lie in the release of dopamine that accompanies a pushin’ in the cushion. Compulsive sexual behavior disorder isn’t necessarily about being hooked on the act itself, but rather the dopamine rush that comes along with it. During intercourse, the brain releases dopamine—the “feel-good” chemical—but you know what they say about too much of a good thing. When the brain is constantly flooded with dopamine, it can become reliant, leaving addicts perpetually chasing that temporary high.

Depending on the severity of sexual compulsivity , it can be difficult for partners of addicts to meet their needs sexually. We know that addicts may turn to masturbation, but sex addicts also tend to look outside their relationships to have their needs met.

Addiction of any kind can lead to communication problems , as addicts often lie to hide their behavior and avoid withdrawals. With sex addiction , these lies often manifest as cheating . And as we’ve all learned from recreational soccer or even Scandoval, cheaters never prosper.

So what are the ramifications of untreated sex addiction ? Other than the damage it can do to your body physically and the toll it takes on relationships, it can also lead to mental health concerns .

It is not uncommon for people struggling with sex addiction to also deal with depression and anxiety . In fact, those with compulsive sexual behavior disorder are more likely to show signs of depression than the general population. The difficulty of controlling sexual urges can be embarrassing, which further contributes to shame and emotional distress .

Like any other addiction, there are withdrawals when a sex addict attempts to take control and stop excessive sexual activity. Withdrawal symptoms can include mood swings, irritability, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, headaches, and body aches .

While anyone can develop compulsive sexual behavior , some groups are at a higher risk. These include:

• Men (sex addiction is statistically more common in men than women)

• People with depression, anxiety, or personality disorders

• Those with a family history of addiction

• People with OCD or ADHD

• Individuals with a history of suicide attempts

If you or someone you know is struggling with managing hypersexuality , seeking sexual addiction help can make all the difference.

From physical and mental health to relationship woes, sexual addiction can disrupt and wreak havoc on everyday life. If you, or someone you know, is exhibiting sex addiction signs , reaching out to a healthcare or mental health provider is a crucial step in sex addiction recovery .

There are also numerous support groups , such as Sex Addicts Anonymous , that offer guidance and community support for individuals dealing with hypersexuality symptoms . Additionally, sexual addiction therapy can help address underlying causes and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

If you are struggling, know that compulsive sexual behavior treatment is available, and you are not alone. A healthy relationship with sex is possible—with the right help and support, you can take back control.