When is someone addicted to sex and what can you do about it?

Sex addiction (also called hypersexuality disorder) is a serious problem, and it's important to distinguish between a high libido and a genuine problem.

Someone is addicted to sex when sexual behavior becomes compulsive, uncontrollable, and negatively impacts daily life. It's not about how often someone has sex or thinks about sex, but about the impact on their functioning.

Typical symptoms include loss of control and repeatedly trying to cut down without success. Compulsive behavior such as watching porn for hours, chatting, masturbating, or having sex, despite wanting to stop, is also typical.

Furthermore, sex addiction also has negative consequences for relationships, work, education, or health. The behavior can take on increasingly extreme forms of sexual behavior.

It's not a sex addiction if someone simply has a strong libido, but has good control over the behavior and it doesn't cause problems.

Awareness and self-reflection are important parts of treatment. Set boundaries and structure. Plan your days so there's less room for compulsive behavior. Set realistic limits, such as screen time or porn blocking software.

A psychologist, sexologist, or addiction specialist can help address the underlying causes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) are often used successfully. There are also specialized clinics and self-help groups for sex addiction.

Source: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10508-009-9574-7

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2025-10-05 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2026