5 Symptoms of Sex Addiction That You Should Never Ignore
Are you frequently engaging in sexual activities that make you feel guilty? Though it’s somewhat politically incorrect to say so, sex is natural, and so are our desires to have it.
But when those desires start interfering with other personal or professional relationships, the act wreaks serious havoc. At such a point, we can reasonably call it an addiction.
Sex addiction is more common than many people think. It can destroy a person’s life, destroy their loved ones’ lives, and even lead to death. If you fear that you may have a sex addiction, you must pay attention to all of the signs.
Read on to discover five symptoms of sex addiction you should never ignore.
1. Excessive Preoccupation with Sexual Thoughts or Behaviors
The symptoms of a sex addict can manifest in several ways, including spending excessive time thinking about sex, excessively viewing pornography, or engaging in risky or unsafe sexual behavior. That’s where it always begins. For young people, this can progress into a strong desire for porn magazines, movies, and the like.
Older sex addicts may also consume a lot of porn materials. But since they can usually get away with having real sex more easily than kids, they may crave those materials less.
2. Shame and Guilt After Sex
Most addictions come with feelings of shame and guilt. Like an overeater, a sex addict feels guiltier and guiltier the more they engage in the act. While they may enjoy the engagement while it lasts, they will usually feel ashamed afterward. These feelings are driven by the knowledge that they know what they’re doing is beyond customary or proper, yet they keep doing it.
3. Promiscuity
When people sexually engage with various partners, it’s usually beyond naught or recklessness. It’s a sign that they’re addicted to sex. So much they can’t contain their appetites with their real partners.
Taking the risk of ruining their relationships and contracting sexually transmitted diseases from unsafe relations for the sake of sex indicates that they are addicted.
4. Irresponsible Decisions
Like other types of addicts, those who are hooked on sex tend to dismiss everything else in their lives for its sake. That means they may neglect their commitments to their families, employers, church, etc.
Because of this neglect, they are also likely to end up with significant financial woes and even divorce when the situation isn’t corrected over time.
5. Unwillingness to Talk About the Problem
Like people hooked on drugs or drinking, sex addicts are also in a constant state of denial about the problem. When you try to talk to them about it, they will likely evade the subject until you stop.
While you may get them to open up at some point, it will usually be an extremely awkward and bothersome conversation. Nonetheless, it is best to have a professional deal with any addiction.
If it is a loved one or a spouse with sex addiction, you don’t want to cause any aggravation by talking to them without expert knowledge.
Get the Help You Need to Treat the Symptoms of Sex Addiction
If you’re worried that you or someone you know may be addicted to sex, it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of sex addiction. Addictive sexual behaviors can impact every aspect of a person’s life, causing them to lose their job, ruin their relationships, and damage their health. If you think you may be addicted to sex, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
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