Symptoms of Sexual Addiction Include Feeling Numb Toward Partner or Spouse
Fixated, compulsive, obsessed with thoughts about sex and finding the next partner – these can be described as hallmarks of sex addiction. There are also surprising symptoms associated with sex addiction, a progressive addiction believed to affect more than 12 million adults in the U.S.
Because of negative associations with sexual addiction, many may live in secret with serious, chronic symptoms for years – destroying families, careers and lives.
Symptoms of sexual addiction may include:
- Inability to control or resist urges to engage in sex, even in public and inappropriate places despite consequences.
- Obsessive, consuming thoughts about sex that the person cannot stop, and sometimes reflect bizarre and unwanted sexual experiences.
- Feelings of escape or avoidance of negative emotions associated with having sex, similar to how a person living with alcohol addiction would relieve stress through drinking.
- Repeated strong desire to seek out the next sexual encounter, either with multiple partners, strangers or even paid sexual services.
While these symptoms are increasingly becoming more widely known as the condition achieves higher levels of formal diagnosis and recognition, there are other symptoms of sexual addiction that may be less known.
Lesser-known symptoms of sexual addiction:
- A loss of desire for sex with a partner or spouse. The person may feel “numb” or detached from typical sexual situations. This is also accompanied by a lack of pleasure or joy in the act of sex.
- Sexual performance problems. Over time, changes occur at the brain level related to pleasure centers and sexual performance when sexual addiction is present, leading many to develop sexual performance problems.
- Increase in other obsessive behaviors, such as compulsive gambling, drinking or eating. These disorders may occur simultaneously with sexual addiction – especially as the feelings of stress, shame and guilt of the sexual addiction grows stronger.
- Compulsive masturbation, which can occur in public or inappropriate places.
While symptoms of sexual addiction may vary, the condition can last for years if untreated. Professional help is required to identify the triggers and prepare a lasting plan for recovery.