There has never been an official diagnosis for the effects of sex addiction, but researchers have defined the disorder based on the behaviors associated with sexual addiction as a preoccupation with sex, a persistent craving for sex and the unsuccessful ability to limit sexual activity. Engaging in sex acts with multiple partners, or more than were originally intended and engaging in excessive sexual practices despite a person’s desire to stop are also common effects.
Sex addicts may allocate most of their free time to activities related to sex, like cruising for new partners or visiting online pornographic sites. Sex addicts will neglect work, school and family in order to engage in sexual behavior despite broken relationships, potential health risks and other negative results. Sex addicts organize their world around sex with the goal of interacting with people and social situations for the express purpose of obtaining sex. They may feel irritable when they are unable to engage in their desired sexual behavior and may exhibit violence when denied in extreme cases.
Effects of a developing sex addiction may include:
* General preoccupation with sex
* Obsession with sexually explicit magazines
* You feel your own sexual behavior is abnormal
* You feel guilty about your own sexual behavior
* Your spouse complains about your sexual behavior
* You hide your true sexual desires
* Your sex behavior interferes with your family
* You been unable to stop your compulsive sexual behavior
