Compulsive sexual behavior is a form of impulse control disorder that involves an excessive preoccupation with sexual thoughts, urges, or behaviors that negatively impact one's personal life. It can take many forms such as frequent masturbation, viewing pornography, visiting strip clubs, cruising for casual encounters, phone/webcam sex, and prostitution. While it may seem unrelated to other addictions, there is growing evidence that compulsive sexual behavior co-occurs with substance abuse, gambling, food addiction, and video game playing disorders.
People who engage in any kind of addictive behavior have underlying traits like low self-esteem, poor impulse control, anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming healthy attachments. This makes them more vulnerable to developing additional addictions, including compulsive sexual behavior.
Someone who uses alcohol to numb emotional pain may turn to sex when sober. Similarly, someone who seeks excitement through gambling may also seek out risky sexual experiences.
There are several theories about why this overlap occurs. One theory suggests that people with addictions often use certain activities to regulate their emotions, and that includes both addictive behaviors and compulsive sexuality. Another theory suggests that these addictions share neurological pathways and reward systems in the brain. Researchers believe that both involve changes in the dopamine system and other chemicals in the brain related to pleasure and motivation.
People struggling with multiple addictions may be attracted to each other because they understand and validate each other's struggles. They can provide support and encouragement while sharing similar interests.
This can lead to a vicious cycle where one addiction fuels another. The consequences of compulsive sexual behavior can include social isolation, financial problems, legal issues, and relationship conflicts. Treatment for compulsive sexual behavior typically involves therapy and support groups, but it is not always easy to find help due to stigma and lack of awareness.
How does compulsive sexual behavior co-occur with other addictions?
Compulsive sexual behavior can be defined as a condition where an individual engages in excessive, persistent, and uncontrollable sexual thoughts, urges, and behaviors despite any negative consequences they may have on their social life, relationships, career, physical health, or well-being. Compulsive sexual behavior is often characterized by a preoccupation with sex that interferes with daily activities and can lead to feelings of distress, shame, and guilt.