Sex addiction is a complex and often misunderstood condition that goes beyond mere sexual desire. It involves compulsive behaviors driven by an inability to control sexual impulses, often resulting in emotional, psychological, and physical consequences. While society tends to dismiss or stigmatize conversations about sex addiction, it’s important to understand its symptoms and how they affect those who struggle with this condition.

The Hidden Nature of Sex Addiction

Sex addiction frequently operates in secrecy. Unlike addictions to substances like alcohol or drugs, sexual compulsions are often easier to hide, making it difficult for others to notice the problem. Many individuals with sex addiction lead double lives, presenting a façade of normalcy while engaging in compulsive behaviors behind closed doors. This secrecy not only isolates the individual but also compounds feelings of guilt and shame.

Key Symptoms of Sex Addiction

1. Loss of Control: A primary symptom of sex addiction is the inability to regulate or stop sexual behaviors, even when they interfere with daily life. For instance, a person may continue to pursue sexual gratification despite knowing it could jeopardize their relationships, career, or health.
2. Compulsive Sexual Thoughts: Individuals with sex addiction often experience intrusive and uncontrollable sexual thoughts. These thoughts may dominate their mind, affecting their focus and ability to perform routine tasks.
3. Escalating Behaviors: Similar to other addictions, tolerance can build over time. Individuals may seek increasingly risky or extreme sexual activities to achieve the same level of satisfaction. This could involve casual encounters, viewing violent or taboo pornography, or participating in public sexual acts.
4. Neglect of Responsibilities: Sex addiction can cause individuals to prioritize their compulsions over personal and professional obligations. This neglect might include skipping work, missing family events, or neglecting health due to preoccupation with sexual activities.
5. Emotional Distress: The cycle of sexual addiction is often accompanied by a range of emotional challenges, including guilt, shame, anxiety, and depression. The individual may feel trapped in a behavior they recognize as harmful but feel powerless to stop.
6. Relationship Challenges: Sex addiction can wreak havoc on personal relationships. Deceptive behaviors, infidelity, or emotional unavailability can damage trust and create conflict with partners, friends, and family.

Behavioral Patterns of Sex Addiction

1. Excessive Consumption of Pornography: Many individuals with sex addiction rely on pornography as a primary outlet, often consuming it to an extent that interferes with daily life.
2. Risky Sexual Encounters: Seeking out anonymous or high-risk sexual partners is another common behavior. This often stems from the thrill or novelty of the act rather than emotional connection.
3. Sexualized Coping Mechanisms: For some, sexual behavior becomes a way to cope with stress, loneliness, or unresolved trauma. This can create a dependency on sexual acts as an emotional crutch.
4. Time Consumption: A significant amount of time may be spent planning, seeking, or engaging in sexual activities, often to the detriment of other life aspects.

The Psychological Toll

Sex addiction not only affects the individual’s behavior but also takes a significant toll on mental health. The cycle of compulsive behavior followed by regret creates a vicious loop of distress and self-loathing. Over time, this can lead to feelings of hopelessness and isolation, making it harder for the person to seek help.

Breaking the Silence

Awareness is key to addressing sex addiction. Many people with this condition avoid seeking help due to stigma or a lack of understanding about their struggles. However, recovery is possible with the right resources, including therapy, support groups, and education about healthy sexual behaviors.

By shedding light on the symptoms and realities of sex addiction, we can foster a more compassionate and informed dialogue, encouraging those affected to take the first step toward healing.

Sex addiction, often referred to as hypersexual disorder, is a complex condition that affects individuals’ emotional and psychological well-being. Unlike casual sexual behaviors or desires, sex addiction is characterized by compulsive engagement in sexual activities despite negative consequences. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and behaviors associated with sex addiction is crucial for identifying the issue and seeking help.

Signs of Sex Addiction

1. Compulsive Behavior: One of the hallmark signs of sex addiction is the compulsion to engage in sexual activities. Individuals may find themselves unable to control their sexual impulses, leading to repetitive behaviors such as excessive masturbation, seeking out multiple sexual partners, or engaging in risky sexual encounters.
2. Neglecting Responsibilities: A person struggling with sex addiction may prioritize sexual activities over essential life responsibilities. This neglect can affect work, relationships, and personal health. For instance, they might miss work deadlines, ignore family obligations, or sacrifice sleep to pursue sexual encounters.
3. Secrecy and Deception: Many individuals with sex addiction engage in secretive behaviors to hide their activities. This might include lying to partners about sexual encounters, using private devices to browse adult content, or visiting inappropriate locations for sexual encounters. This secrecy can lead to feelings of guilt and shame.
4. Escalation of Sexual Behavior: Over time, individuals may need to engage in more extreme or risky sexual behaviors to achieve the same level of satisfaction or excitement. This escalation can include seeking out new partners, engaging in public sexual acts, or experimenting with substances that enhance sexual experiences.

Symptoms of Sex Addiction

1. Emotional Distress: People with sex addiction often experience a wide range of emotional difficulties, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of worthlessness. The cycle of compulsive behavior followed by guilt can create a sense of emotional turmoil that becomes difficult to manage.
2. Loss of Control: Individuals may recognize their behavior as problematic yet find themselves unable to stop. This loss of control can lead to a deepening sense of frustration and hopelessness, further perpetuating the addiction cycle.
3. Interference with Relationships: Sex addiction can severely strain personal relationships. Partners may feel betrayed, hurt, or insecure, leading to conflict and emotional distance. Additionally, the addict may struggle to form meaningful connections, as their focus remains on fulfilling their sexual compulsions.
4. Physical Consequences: Engaging in risky sexual behaviors can lead to physical health issues, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or injuries. These health risks can serve as a wake-up call for some individuals, prompting them to seek help.

Behaviors Associated with Sex Addiction

1. Excessive Use of Pornography: Frequent and compulsive viewing of pornography is often a significant indicator of sex addiction. The individual may use porn as a means to escape reality or cope with stress, which can lead to further isolation.
2. Infidelity: For some individuals, sex addiction manifests as infidelity. The thrill of secrecy and the rush of new sexual encounters may become more appealing than maintaining committed relationships.
3. Soliciting Sex: Engaging in casual sex or seeking out sex workers can be common behaviors among those struggling with sex addiction. The need for sexual gratification may override moral or ethical considerations.
4. Sexual Acting Out: This can include a range of behaviors such as exhibitionism, voyeurism, or participating in risky sexual acts that compromise personal safety and well-being.

Conclusion

Understanding sex addiction is vital for recognizing its signs, symptoms, and behaviors. Awareness can help individuals acknowledge their struggles and seek appropriate support and treatment. Therapy, support groups, and educational resources can provide the necessary tools for recovery. If you or someone you know is experiencing these challenges, it’s important to reach out for help—there is hope and healing available.

Sex addiction, also known as hypersexual disorder or compulsive sexual behavior, is a condition characterized by an overwhelming preoccupation with sexual thoughts, behaviors, or urges. This preoccupation can disrupt a person’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. While the exact causes of sex addiction are complex and multifaceted, understanding the psychological and emotional triggers that contribute to this condition is crucial for effective treatment and recovery.

Psychological Triggers

Psychological triggers play a significant role in the development and maintenance of sex addiction. These triggers often stem from unresolved emotional issues, past traumas, or mental health disorders. One of the most common psychological triggers is childhood trauma. Individuals who have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse during childhood are at a higher risk of developing sex addiction. The trauma can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem, which may drive individuals to seek comfort or escape through sexual behavior.

Another psychological trigger is stress and anxiety. People who struggle with high levels of stress or chronic anxiety may turn to sex as a coping mechanism. Sexual behavior can provide a temporary sense of relief or distraction from overwhelming emotions, leading to a cycle of compulsive behavior. Similarly, individuals with depression may engage in sexual activities to numb emotional pain or fill a void, reinforcing addictive patterns.

Attachment issues are also significant psychological triggers. People with insecure attachment styles, often resulting from dysfunctional family dynamics, may use sex as a way to feel connected or valued. For example, individuals with an anxious attachment style may engage in sexual behavior to gain approval or avoid rejection, while those with an avoidant attachment style may use sex to maintain emotional distance.

Emotional Triggers

Emotional triggers are closely linked to psychological triggers and often involve intense, unresolved feelings that individuals may not fully understand or know how to process. Loneliness is a powerful emotional trigger for sex addiction. People who feel isolated or disconnected from others may use sexual behavior to fill the emotional void and create a temporary sense of intimacy. However, this often leads to a cycle of dependency, where the need for emotional connection becomes intertwined with sexual compulsion.

Shame and guilt are other potent emotional triggers. Individuals who already struggle with feelings of worthlessness may use sex as a way to validate their self-worth or distract themselves from their negative self-perception. However, engaging in compulsive sexual behavior often leads to more shame and guilt, perpetuating the cycle of addiction.

Anger and frustration can also trigger sex addiction. Some individuals may use sexual behavior as an outlet for their anger, seeking to exert control or dominance in response to feelings of powerlessness in other areas of their lives. This can be particularly true for those who have experienced betrayal or loss, leading them to seek solace in destructive sexual behavior.

Conclusion

Understanding the psychological and emotional triggers of sex addiction is essential for both individuals struggling with the condition and professionals working to treat it. By identifying these triggers, it becomes possible to address the underlying issues that fuel compulsive sexual behavior. Therapy, particularly trauma-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and emotion regulation strategies, can help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms and break the cycle of addiction. Recognizing and addressing these triggers is the first step toward healing and recovery, allowing individuals to regain control over their lives and relationships.

Sex addiction is a complex mental health disorder that can be hard to identify and even harder to address. While it is a diagnosable disorder, scientists have yet to find a single cause for it. Despite being a highly personal issue, sex addiction affects an estimated 6 to 8 percent of people around the world, according to a recent published study. It’s important to recognize the signs of sex addiction in order to intervene and provide the support needed for a healthier recovery.

It’s important for individuals and their loved ones to learn the key signs that often indicate sex addiction, so they can get help as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, sexual addiction is often accompanied by feelings of guilt and shame, and it can be difficult to talk about openly. If you suspect someone is struggling with a sex addiction, taking the time to understand the particular warning signs may make it easier to support them.

1. Turning to Pornography

One of the most common signs of sex addiction is a preoccupation with pornography. This includes excessive viewing, downloading, discussing, and fantasizing about pornographic material—even when it causes distress. Unfortunately, pornography can be fairly easy to access anywhere with an internet connection, making it an attractive option for those struggling with sexual addiction.

2. Escalating Sexual Behavior

An individual dealing with a sex addiction will often show signs of increasingly risky behavior that includes frequent attempts to increase the intensity or frequency of sexual activities. This could include more frequent masturbation, additional sexual partners, engaging in unprotected sex, and/or escalating forms of sexual experiences.

3. Inability to Limit Sexual Activity

Sex addiction can include excessive preoccupation and engagement in sexual activities despite attempts to limit or stop them. This could mean going to great lengths to continue engaging in sexual activities (sometimes at the expense of relationships, work, and health) or creating elaborate excuses to explain away the behavior in order to continue.

4. Uncomfortable With Intimacy

Sex addicts will often push away romantic or intimate partners as a form of self-protection, as personal connections can trigger a surge of emotions. Those with sex addiction often feel more comfortable focusing on the physical aspects of sex, as they are less likely to face the fear of rejection or the intensity of true intimacy.

5. Loss of Control

Engaging in compulsive sexual behavior often results in feelings of guilt or shame that can lead to a cycle of further compulsive behaviors. This can be a sign of losing control of one’s sexual activities and craving for the “high” sexual experiences provide.

6. Lying and Manipulation

Another sign of sex addiction is the tendency to lie and manipulate those around them in order to cover up their signs of sexual activity. These can manifest as exaggerations or fabrications about their whereabouts or activities, as well as convincing themselves and others to engage in sexual behaviors.

The primary way to address sex addiction is through therapy and counseling to inform coping skills or a twelve-step approach to recovery. Whatever the approach, research shows support groups are an effective tool for those struggling with sex addiction.

It’s important to reach out for help if you or someone you know is struggling with the signs of sex addiction. A therapist experienced in treating sexual addiction can provide an outlet to explore the issues at hand and develop healthier solutions. With compassion and commitment, it is possible to find a path toward a healthier and more rewarding life.

Sex addiction is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by an inability to control one’s behavior and the compulsive pursuit of sexual experiences. While it may not always be easy to recognize the symptoms, understanding how to diagnose sex addiction is essential for properly treating the disorder.

The first step to diagnosing sex addiction is to understand the symptoms. Symptoms of sex addiction include excessive preoccupation with sexual thoughts or behaviors, an inability to stop these behaviors despite their clear consequences, and using sex as a way to cope with emotional distress. Other signs include a lack of interest in other activities, regularly engaging in risky sexual behaviors, and physical and mental distress caused by an inability to control one’s urges.

In order to diagnose sex addiction, it is often necessary to gauge the severity of the individual’s behavior. This can be done through an evaluation by a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. This professional will ask questions about the individual’s sexual history, review mental health records, and assess any potential substance abuse issues. They may also complete a physical examination. By gaining an understanding of the individual’s thoughts, motivations, and behaviors, doctors can make an accurate diagnosis.

Once diagnosis has been made, treatment is essential. Fortunately, sex addiction can be effectively treated with a range of therapies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to help individuals recognize negative emotions and behaviors. Other therapies such as 12-step programs, psychotherapy, or family therapy can help support those in recovery. Additionally, certain medications can be prescribed to help increase self-control and reduce cravings.

It is important to note that sex addiction is a serious disorder and should never be taken lightly. If you or someone you know is struggling with this disorder, seek help right away. With the right treatment, individuals can overcome the disorder and regain control of their lives.

In conclusion, understanding how to diagnose and treat sex addiction is essential for those struggling with the disorder. By being aware of the signs and symptoms, individuals can better recognize when they or someone they know is struggling with the disorder. Once this is done, treatment can be sought in order to achieve a healthier, happier life.

Addiction to engaging in sexual behavior is a real problem for some people. As with any addiction, it can cause a range of health, psychological, and relationship issues in both the person with the addiction, and any partners they may be involved with. To understand sex addiction, and whether or not it’s a helpful or harmful behavior, we must first discuss what it is, and understand the harmful and potentially helpful aspects of it.

Sex addiction is defined as any compulsive sexual behaviors or thoughts that involve physical or psychological addiction. This can include but is not limited to viewing pornography, frequenting strip clubs and massage parlors, excessive masturbation, constant thoughts of sexual activities, and engaging in risky sexual activities without the protection of pneumonia or STI protection. Those who engage in these behaviors are typically in a state of heightened arousal, where they feel they can never be satiated.

The potential harm that comes with sex addiction is great because it can contribute to issues in relationships. Activating an addictive sexual behavior can create a feeling of emptiness, disconnection, and guilt. It can also lead to a wide variety of physical and psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, drug addiction, and health problems. A partner can experience significant distress if they’re aware of their partner’s addiction, because it can destroy trust and intimacy. There’s also the risk of physical danger due to unprotected sexual encounters or the individual going beyond their own physical or psychological limitations in order to fulfil their cravings.

It’s important to understand that while sex addiction can be harmful, it’s still a very real problem and can be treated with the right support. The first step of treatment often involves getting help from a registered therapist. A therapist can help the individual understand their addiction and create a plan of action to help them manage and get insight into their triggers.

In some cases, support from family and friends is helpful. Such support can involve making sure the individual gets to sessions with a therapist, and offering social support and reassurance throughout the process. It’s also important to practice self-care, such as eating right, getting enough sleep, and avoiding risks. Positive activities like exercise, creative hobbies, and taking time out to do enjoyable activities can also contribute to healing.

Ultimately, sex addiction is a disorder that can have many harmful effects. But it is also a disorder that can be treated. It’s important to understand that even if someone is able to identify and manage their addiction, it doesn’t mean it will just go away permanently. Recovery involves understanding and managing the triggers, and having the courage and support to make changes in order to live a healthier, happier life.

Sex is a powerful motivator. It can be both pleasurable and addictive, but it can also be a source of emotional and physical harm. For some individuals, controlling their sexual interest can be a difficult and complicated task. Fortunately, there are a few strategies and tactics that can help an individual learn how to control sexual interest.

The first and most important step is for an individual to gain greater self-awareness. Peopleneed to understand their own motivations, desires, triggers and the associated emotions that come along with them in order to make conscious choices. When an individual has a better understanding of why they have a certain level of sexual interest, they may find that they are able to make better choices and maintain healthier relationships.

The next step is for an individual to identify unhealthy patterns and behaviors. There are some people who maintain unhealthy behaviors when it comes to sexual interest, such as engaging in risky sexual activities or engaging in sexual behaviors without meaning or purpose. Being able to recognize when these patterns and behaviors occur is the first step in making a change.

Another important component of controlling sexual interest is to create healthy boundaries. These boundaries should be established within an individual’s personal relationships, including romantic and/or sexual partnerships. These boundaries should include mutual respect for the wants and needs of each partner. It is also important to communicate openly and honestly with each other in order to ensure that each partner’s sexual discomfort or discomfort is respected.

In addition, it may be beneficial to practice some relaxation techniques. Meditation, deep breathing, and guided imagery are all tools that can help an individual gain better control over their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Relaxation exercises can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, which is often a major component of uncontrolled sexual interest.

Finally, it is important to learn how to respond to urges in a positive and healthy manner. For individuals with obsessive levels of sexual interest, this may mean avoiding certain environments or scenarios that may be triggering. It can also mean using positive self-talk and engaging in activities that are more productive and useful. When one is able to manage their urges in a more effective manner, they are much better equipped to control sexual interest.

Overall, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to controlling sexual interest. It is important to be aware of one’s own motivations and triggers, and to establish healthy boundaries within relationships. Additionally, it is beneficial to practice some relaxation exercises and to learn how to respond to urges in a positive and healthy manner. With a better understanding and incorporation of these strategies, individuals are more likely to maintain better control over their sexual interest.

Sex addiction is a treatable condition that affects millions of people yet remains misunderstood. While it’s easy to joke about how sex can ‘take over’ someone’s life, it can often be a very serious and destructive issue. A sex addict is someone who cannot control or stop their sexual behavior, even if they are aware that it’s causing serious problems.

A sex addict experiences intense urges, cravings and a craving that won’t go away, and they will often find it hard to maintain healthy relationships or focus on other activities. Sex addiction can be a devastating and compulsive disorder that ruins marriages, careers, and overall happiness.

A sex addict may have various compulsive sexual behaviors, such as looking at pornography, engaging in cybersex, visiting sex workers, having multiple sexual partners, or engaging in other reckless sexual activities. Sex addiction can also manifest in the form of thoughts, behaviors, and rituals around sex that feels uncontrollable and overpowering.

A sex addict may frequently neglect their responsibilities to consume as much time as possible engaging in the behaviors. They may hide the extent of their addiction from loved ones and make excuses for missing work and other engagements. They may also engage in risky activities such as unprotected sex, and may be in denial about the risks of their behavior.

There are physical signs of sex addiction as well. Sex addicts typically experience a heightened libido and a need for significantly more stimulation than other people. People with this disorder often find themselves in the bathroom multiple times a day, and may suffer from erectile dysfunction or other physical issues.

Sex addicts may also turn to substance use in order to dull their feelings or to increase libido. Alcohol, drugs, and smoke can all be used in an attempt to make the addict ‘feel better’ and numb their conscience.

One of the most common signs of sex addiction is an inability to abstain from sexual behavior. Sex addiction often turns into a pattern of regular and escalating sexual behavior, even when the individual knows it to be wrong. For example, a sex addict may promise themselves to abstain from sexual activities for a certain period of time, only to give in to temptations after a short while.

Sex addicts may also suffer from low self-esteem and a strong sense of guilt or shame regarding their behavior. They may find it difficult to cope with the shame they feel after engaging in their addictive behaviors, and may go into great lengths to hide it from others. A perpetual cycle of feeling ashamed and engaging in addictive behavior can then ensue, leading to a further downward spiral.

Finally, addicts may experience significant financial problems as a result of their addiction. They may find themselves spending excessive amounts of money on activities or resources related to fulfilling their obsession. This can often lead to increased levels of depression and anxiety.

When left untreated, sex addiction can lead to destruction in relationships and life in general. If you or someone you know is struggling with this condition, take comfort in knowing that there is help available. Professional resources such as addiction counselors and support groups can help individuals work through their addiction and gain insight into healthier and more productive ways of living.

Just like other types of addiction, anyone can relapse even after they’ve been certified sober and free of sex addiction. When you relapse after sex addiction treatment, you don’t have to be ashamed or shy about your condition.

All you need to do is get help from your therapist or counselor so that you can get back on track. If you know someone who treated sex addiction, and you’re suspecting that they might have relapsed, here are some signs to let you know.

Hanging out with friends who support your addiction

When someone has relapsed from addiction treatment, they are likely to seek out their old friends who once indulged in the same habits.

Some of their old friends might likely have pressurized them to rejoin their clique or group. Therefore, when you see them moving together like before, then you can rightly suspect that they’ve relapsed.

Neglecting support networks

Another sign that suggests that they’ve relapsed is when they no longer want to belong to support networks. The primary essence of support networks is to provide support to people who just recovered from addiction.

At this early stage, some of them may still struggle with some cravings that can make them return to their addiction. This is why support networks exist to keep motivating them to remain sober and clean.

Not attending therapy or counseling sessions

When the individual no longer attends the scheduled therapy or counseling sessions, they might have relapsed.

They might avoid these sessions because they know that the therapist or counselor will discover that they have returned to their addiction. Also, they could be ashamed of facing the therapist after being declared sober.

Defensiveness

One of the easiest ways to spot someone who has relapsed is when they begin to act defensive each time the concept of addiction is introduced.

Even if they are not being attacked, their response might be similar to someone who was being spoken to. When you notice this pattern of defensiveness, you can reach out and support them.

Sexting is becoming an increasingly commonly observed behavior but, like any other potentially risky behavior, it can become an addiction. Sexting is broadly defined as sending sexual images, videos, or messages on mobile phones. It can be a form of flirtation or a means of connecting with someone on an intimate level, be it a friend or romantic partner. But when it takes up too much of an individual’s time or is used to satisfy cravings, it becomes an addiction.

Addiction rarely occurs in a vacuum and those addicted to sexting often have underlying issues that drive the behavior. Sexting addiction occurs when an individual is not able to control their behavior and continues to send sexual images, videos, or messages regardless of the risks. Common risk factors that can lead to sexting addiction include loneliness, stress, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.

Unsurprisingly, most of those addicted to sexting are teens and young adults. In a survey of college-aged students in the United States, 43% of respondents revealed they had sent a sexual message or image to someone. Worryingly, one in five students admitted that they had sent a sexual image or video of themselves.

Sexting has become prevalent for many of the same reasons as other kinds of addiction. Humans are wired to seek reward and pleasure, and sexting offers both. It can often act like a drug and cause the release of “pleasure” hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain to simulate a feeling of euphoria.

Even the anxiety that often comes along with the anticipation of a text message can provide a rewarding experience. It’s much like a gambler waiting for the moment that their slot machine payout comes up.

Those addicted to sexting, like those addicted to many other activities, often experience feelings that can lead to compulsive and addictive behaviors. These include a need for control, an attempt to self-medicate or fill a void, an escape from guilt, depression, and anxiety, or a need to be loved and accepted.

Despite the dangers, an increasing number of people are becoming addicted to sexting are also neglecting the potential emotional and legal consequences. Those who are addicted to sexting find it difficult to put the brakes on their behavior due to the emotional gratification they experience.

Those addicted to sexting must confront the emotional and legal consequences of their behavior in order to address and ultimately overcome their addiction. They must be aware of the fact that sending sexual messages, images, and videos can be considered the distribution of child pornography and attract the attention of law enforcement.

Rather than indulge in their addiction, those who are addicted to sexting should try and find healthier ways of managing and reducing their stress levels, as well as dealing with underlying emotional issues.

Treatment for sexting addiction often involves therapy in which an individual can talk to a professional about their addiction and the issues that are causing it. They can also seek support from family and friends, seek professional help and guidance, or join a support group online or in person.

Sexting is becoming an increasingly common behavior, but it can also become an addiction if left unchecked. It can lead to serious legal and emotional consequences, but with the right help, those who are addicted to sexting can conquer their addiction and find healthier ways to cope with stress and emotional issues.