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.

Sex addiction is a controversial matter because sex is a basic part of living. It makes some people feel sex cannot be excessive as we all have a different level of sexual appetite.

However, despite sex being a part of life, there are stages it can get to that would be regarded as addictive.

Although The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V (DSM-5) does not recognize it as a behavioral addiction, other research has proved it to be possible.

If you are at that point where you have a compelling urge to have sex or engage in sexually related activities that you are ready to risk anything for it, you are addicted to sex. 

It does not have to be engaging in the act in itself as it can be any other act in the ‘sex family’ such as masturbation and pornography that gives you the same pleasure as sex would.

You may be unsure if your sexual desire or that of your lover has gotten overboard so, below are a few signs of sex addiction:

1. Emotional Symptoms: 

Those who suffer from a sex addiction might not have healthy boundaries. Porn or sex addiction can leave you feeling alienated, isolated, angry, depressed, or humiliated and may require treatment.

According to Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, people addicted to sex may become emotionally or sexually involved regardless of how well they know you.

Due to their fear of being abandoned, most sex addicts stay in unhealthy relationships, or they may jump from one relationship to another. 

2. Physical Symptoms:

There are few physical symptoms of sex addiction. One of the most common physical symptoms of sex addiction is a feeling of immobility due to sexual acts. 

Other signs of sex addiction are:

• Having obsessive sexual thoughts
• Spending too much time on sex
• Excessive masturbation
• Finding it difficult to engage in other activities

A sex addict can change although, such one will likely need treatment from a medical professional like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or sex therapist.

Sex addiction is a behavioral addiction characterized by a compelling urge to participate in sexual behaviors despite the damage it causes to the individual and loved ones.

It could be an uncontrollable involvement in watching pornography, masturbating, or prostitution. The end goal of which is the disruption of one’s life.

Persons can lose their jobs by surfing the internet for pornography at work despite warnings not to do so. Some may waste their money on prostitutes to satisfy their uncontrollable urge for sex.

This should prove to anyone that an uncontrollable desire for sex is an addiction and has its effects.

So, if you find yourself or a loved one in this category, you should seek treatment with a counselor immediately before it eats you up.

Sex addiction therapy can be in different forms depending on the gravity of the addiction, the patient’s needs, and the doctor or therapist’s diagnosis. The goal is to help anyone suffering from sex addiction through several treatment options.

If you go for therapy, some of the treatment options you will be offered are:

Counseling for Couples / Marriage: If a patient is married or in a committed relationship, sex addiction can be detrimental.

Patients can get to the bottom of their sex addiction through therapy with a licensed therapist and their partner, especially if it has roots in feelings of inadequacy, boredom, or problems in their relationship.

Individual Therapy: Also known as traditional therapy, this option involves having a session with a certified mental health professional for 30-60 minutes.

A therapist with specialized training will focus on your sexually compulsive behaviors, no matter what they are, as well as any other co-occurring disorders.

Therapy Groups: Group therapy, which uses positive social interaction to assist patients, shows them that they are not alone in their addiction.

A therapist always guides the group, aiming to create an environment where patients feel safe and affirmed during their healing process.

Counseling helps you shift your focus away from the negative aspects of your life. You will see how your life can be better, what you should focus on, and how to stay on track.

Addiction generally has the capacity to induce unpleasant life consequences that the addict would never be proud of. For sex addiction, the case is the same.

People who are addicted to sex are not in control of their lives any longer. All they do revolves around sex and they would do anything to provide themselves with satisfaction.

Anyone who wants to be free from sex addiction needs to end it once and never look back. However, doing this is a hard nut to crack. The first step is to make the addict acknowledge that he or she has an addiction problem.

Usually, people who are addicted to sex do not want to believe that they have an addiction problem. To them, they feel that they simply love sex and they would stop at nothing to continue enjoying themselves.

By enrolling for a rehab program that treats sex addiction, you have taken a bold step to a sober free live.

Sex addiction is one of the strongest forms of behavioral addiction and those who are addicted find it hard to break free. At a rehab, you are certain to receive the best of treatment and encouragement to get back on your feet.

Sex addiction treatment comes with a health inspection that is carried out by a professional healthcare provider.

Then the individual is required to remain within the confines of the rehab facility for a number of weeks running into months, depending on the severity of the addiction problem. During the reception of treatment, the individual would undergo both individual and group counseling.

These forms of counseling are very beneficial because they help you to understand properly the reason for your sex addiction.

You will also be given education materials that talk more about sex addiction. Before you know it, you will be encouraged to continue in the rehab program so that you can get better.

People who are addicted to sex should not think that they are strange or weird. It simply means that they need help.

Sex is what we all crave at various points of our lives and for those who have had sex, it always turned out to be an enjoyable process.

However, the concept of addiction exists in our sex lives and most people are not aware of this. Primarily, sex addiction is a psychological problem which results when an individual is not able to control his or her sexual desires.

This suggests that they would have an unquenchable desire for sex beyond the regular rate. Every now and then, all that fills their mind is having sex. And they would go to any length to make sure that they satisfy themselves. For people like this, they cannot control their sexual behavior and this prevents them from living normal lives.

People who have sex addiction are known to be good day-dreamers and fantasizers. They think about sex every now and then, and it affects their relationships and marriages if they are in one. They also have a crazy sex drive that makes them want to have sex on a regular basis.

There are some activities that sex addicts usually engage in to satisfy their sex drive to an extent.

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Worthy of mention is masturbation- This is a process where an individual undergoes the process of self-stimulation so that he or she can satisfy their sexual orgies at that particular time. The process of masturbation is always done discreetly.

Closely related to this is pornography. Lots of people who are addicted to sex, watch porn so that they can handle their crazy sex drive. They also do it discreetly so that other people will not see them. Also, people who watch pornography will definitely masturbate to satisfy themselves for that period.

Another activity is unsafe sex practice. Sex addicts would not care about the safety involved in having sex that would not result in contracting sexually transmitted diseases, so they would have sex without the needed protection.

The entire concept of sex addiction needs to be understood so that it would be easy to convince addicts to opt for treatment.

EFFECTS OF SEX ADDICTION

Sex addiction can be defined as a sexual conduct which a person finds it difficult to control. Hence, this inability to control transcends to psychological stress which affects some aspects of the individual’s life. Some studies have shown that sexual addiction is usually propelled by seeking pleasure in a bid to step-down anxiety. Also, these studies have shown that certain behaviours which are linked with sexual addiction, are most times activated by the state of the mind, which includes depression, despair, misery and the likes.

Addiction to sex is a serious issue which calls for immediate and intensive treatment so that the individual can recover. Sex addiction has the capacity to destroy marriages, relationships, careers and even your life. There is a likely chance that depression would be experienced, and low self-esteem could set in. Some people who are addicted to sex are not willing to stop, hence, they feel there is no need for them to seek treatment.

The “high” feeling which is experienced during sexual activity, is the same which substance abusers experience. This pleasure is at the centre of the brain, and it serves as a recompense for the behaviour. Addiction to sex has a threatening effect on any relationship which you are involved in.

Individuals who are addicted to sex, often face problems such as:

• Sour relationships: Sex addicts would definitely face a rot in their relationship. It could be with their spouse who complains often that their partner’s sexual drive is beyond normal. With time, the individual would discover that his relationship with his family and friends have been strained.
• Shame and guilt: There is always a feeling of shame and guilt, when you come to the realization of the fact that you cannot control your sexual drive. What’s more, it gets worse when people know about your case, and pitch their tents far from you.
• Inability to carry out duties and obligations: Sex addicts would also realize that they would hardly have time to perform essential roles which are required of them, as all what they would be focused on, is satisfying their sexual urge.
• Contracting sexually transmitted diseases: Those who are hooked on sex would most likely have many sexual partners, and this increases the chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

Sex addiction is analyzed and broken down in a number of ways, but there is one simple way of understanding sex addiction that is not applied as often as it should. This view of sex addiction is that it represents an overly complicated sexuality where as healthy human sexuality is kept simple. This concept may seem overly simplified, but it is very useful in helping people wrap their heads around what sex addiction is. Comparing a food addiction to a sex addiction works very well in demonstrating this concept.

When someone is addicted to sex, their appetite for sex has grown huge. And rather than craving a small variety of sexual tastes, they crave many of them. This can easily be compared to unhealthy foods. Typically, people do not become fat by eating one thing over and over. They crave a variety of foods and then they indulge in them. We overeat because our brain chemicals tell us that it will satisfy our hunger, which is the same reason we indulge in excessive amounts and varieties of sex. But just like in the case of food, our appetites are only briefly quenched, then they come back more powerful than ever. A healthy sexuality knows how not to overindulge.

Food addiction and sex addiction can be compared in another sense: portion control and variety. A person who eats a healthy amount of food will naturally eat smaller portions and less food varieties than a person with a food addiction. A person with a healthy sexuality will not need sex as often or as varied as a person with a sex addiction. Sometimes limiting one’s self means that not every variation of something is tried. This does not mean that a person cannot have variety in their tastes. It just means they will be more selective and intelligent in their tastes. This translates directly to a person’s decisions about their sexuality.

Sex addiction is far more common than many people realize. Many people are addicted to sex and do not even realize it. They may consider sex a big part of their identity or believe they are just sexually liberated, but many of these people are, in fact, consumed in an addiction to some form of sex. The signs that you or someone you know are addicted to sex are as follows:

• Overly flirtatious, wandering hands. Often, a sex addiction can be seen in a person’s non-verbal behavior. If they are too frequently flirting with people who are their type, or if they cannot seem to keep their hands to themselves, they are a likely candidate for a sex addiction.
• Constant thoughts about sex. One can only judge this thought pattern in themselves, but it is a telling way of knowing whether or not you have a sex addiction. If thoughts about sex distract you from the rest of your life constantly, it is likely due to a sex addiction.
• Excessive masturbation. If you need to masturbate frequently in order to stay even, and you become stressed out and hostile when you are unable, this could indicate a sex addiction. Many people think masturbation is unrelated to sex addiction, but a sex addiction can actually be nothing but excessive masturbation.
• Anonymous sex and one night stands. When someone repeatedly has sex with anonymous partners and engages in risky sexual activities such as one night stands, they are displaying signs of being addicted to sex.
• Secretive behavior, caught lying. Any time a person is caught lying or is clearly keeping secrets, it is a strong indication that they are hiding an addiction of some sort. This sign occurring in conjunction with any other signs in this list strongly point toward a sex addiction.
• Another person’s scent or make up. Anyone caught repeatedly with tells of engaging in sexual activity, such as make up on a man’s collar or the smell of a man’s cologne on a woman’s clothes, should be confronted about their possible sexual addiction.

Sex addicts live among us in surprising numbers. People you see regularly, at work, school, church and the grocery store can be sex addicts. Because sex is a basic carnal need and the urge to have sex originates within the body, it is one of the most common and strong addictions that there is. Because it is so prevalent and because parts of our culture embrace or deny sex addiction, many people learn to hide their sex addiction carefully or project the image of a non-addict. It can be difficult to spot a sex addict, but if you are aware of which signs to look for, sex addiction is possible to assess.

Because there are many forms of sex addiction, its signs do not always look the same. Some sex addicts prefer to act alone, some with one other partner and some with multiple partners. Those who act alone are often addicted to masturbation, and will demand large amounts of privacy. The clearest way of telling if someone is a secret sex addict is how often they act reclusive. They may supplement their addiction with porn or sex toys, so demands on computers, rooms with TVs, hiding places for toys and finances are also present.

Sex addicts who are monogamous with one other person are usually discovered faster than others. When a sex addict has a life partner who they bring into their addiction, the partner will usually be able to tell. The addict will have heavy sexual demands and interests which involve frenzied behavior and obsessive fascination. When these demands are not met, they will demonstrate extreme emotions over sex, which may involve anger, dejection, control, jealousy or spite.

Sex addicts who have multiple partners are usually the most uninhibited, but because they may not be very close to any one particular partner, their addiction may not be discovered. Sex addicts with multiple partners typically have a larger sexual appetite rather than an unusual one and satisfy it by keeping a number of partners available to them.