Unlike many medical conditions, sex addiction is typically not caused by one specific fact or experience. Because this is a condition that has only very recently been taken seriously, it means that the risk factors are often not well understood and are even considered to be somewhat controversial.
Among the studies and research which has been carried out however, it has been found that the possible causes of sex addiction include the following:
- Previous abuse – many studies have revealed that those who suffered abuse in childhood are more likely to go on to develop an addiction. Sexual abuse, physical abuse and mental abuse are all known to increase the risk of developing sex addiction in adulthood. Severe neglect during childhood and emotional trauma such as assault or rape can also lead to an increased likelihood of forming an addiction. A family history of substance abuse and addiction as well as a dysfunctional family dynamic, (parents who were emotionally unavailable, uncaring or rigid in their parenting style) are also common factors.
- Abnormal levels of sex hormones and chemicals in the brain – compulsive behaviors are believed to be associated with an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Known as neurotransmitters, these are the chemicals which help to regulate our moods and how we experience pleasure. An addiction to sex is thought to be at least partially caused by high levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
- Brain abnormalities – there are certain neurological conditions such as MS, dementia and epilepsy which can cause abnormalities in the brain. It’s thought that this can increase the likelihood of a person developing a sex addiction. Furthermore, certain medications can also have an effect. Dopamine agonists used to treat Parkinson’s disease for example have been known to put people at greater risk of addiction.
- Nerve circuits – changes in nerve circuits in the brain may result in abnormal physical reactions to sexual activity.
- Psychological disorders – some mental health professionals believe that sex addiction may be related to other psychological disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), other addictions, impulse control disorders such as kleptomania, pyromania and gambling and even eating disorders.
- Genes – it’s thought that genes could play a role in the development of sex addiction which means that some people are simply more vulnerable to addictive behavior than others.
- Our brains – the complex wiring of the brain (the neural pathways) may become altered as a result of compulsive sexual activity. These changes enhance the pleasure experience which is witnessed during sexual activity and makes it more difficult to overcome the addiction due to unpleasant reactions which occur when people try to stop.
- Psychiatric disorders – co-occurring psychiatric disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders (narcissism or borderline personality disorder) or difficulties with impulse control are all thought to increase the risk of someone developing a sex addiction.
Sex addiction signs
There are a number of signs to suggest that you or a loved one could have a problem and may need sex addiction treatment. They include:
- Frequently engaging in more sex and with more partners than intended.
- Being preoccupied with or always craving sex and wanting to cut down but being unsuccessful in doing so.
- Spending considerable time on activities related to sex such as looking for potential partners, visiting pornographic websites and frequenting venues where this type of behavior is encouraged.
- Neglecting responsibilities such as work and family in pursuit of sex.
- Continuing to engage in sexual behaviors despite the negative consequences.
- Needing to increase the frequency or intensity of sexual activity in order to achieve the desired effect.
- Feeling irritable when unable to engage in the desired behavior.
If you think that you or someone you know may need sex addiction treatment, please feel free to contact us in the strictest of confidence and we will be more than happy to help. You can also complete our confidential Sexual Addiction Screening Test to asses whether you qualify for sexual addiction therapy.
