Am I a Sex Addict?

Compulsive sexual behavior is not the result of a diminished moral capacity or a lack of faith.

Diagnostic Criteria for Sex Addiction

1. Loss of Control —Recurrent failure to resist sexual impulses. 
2. Compulsive Behavior—More extensive/longer sexual acting out than intended. 
3. Efforts to Stop—Ongoing, but unsuccessful, efforts to stop, reduce, or control behavior. 
4. Loss of Time—Inordinate time spent obtaining sex, being sexual, or recovering from sexual experiences.
5. Preoccupation—Feeling preoccupied with sexual behavior and/or preparatory activities.
6. Inability to Fulfill Obligations—Acting out takes significant time away from obligations: occupational, academic, domestic, or social. 
7. Continuance—Continuation of behavior despite consequences:
   

   Risk of VD		Abortions/unwanted pregnancies
   Lost partner or had marital problems		Career problems
   Lost rights to be with children		Risk arrest

    
8. Escalation—Tolerance - More frequency or intensity of behavior is needed over time to obtain the desired result. 
9. Losses—Deliberately limiting social, occupational, or recreational activities to keep time open for acting out. 
10. Withdrawal—Distress, restlessness, or irritability if unable to do behavior (withdrawal)

A minimum of 3 of the above 10 are needed for sex addiction to be considered present. Many sex addicts have 5 signs, while over 50% have 7.

Sexual Addiction Screening Test

Material taken from research by Patrick Carnes, PhD