Is My Sexual Behaviour Compulsive?
People sometimes describe themselves as a “sex addict” or “porn addict” when they feel worried, ashamed or unable to control aspects of their sexual behaviour. However, the frequency or type of sexual activity does not by itself establish that someone has a compulsive sexual problem.
A high level of sexual desire is not the same as compulsive sexual behaviour. Nor is distress based only on personal, cultural or religious disapproval. What matters is whether there is a persistent pattern of impaired control and whether the behaviour is causing significant harm or disruption.
Questions to Consider
You may find it helpful to ask yourself:
- Do sexual thoughts, urges or behaviours take up a significant amount of my time and attention?
- Have I made repeated promises or attempts to stop, only to return to the behaviour?
- Do I continue despite consequences for my relationship, health, work, finances or emotional wellbeing?
- Am I concealing important parts of my sexual behaviour from my partner or others?
- Has the behaviour become more frequent, time-consuming, expensive or risky?
- Do I use sexual behaviour to escape from loneliness, anxiety, shame, anger or other difficult feelings?
- Do I sometimes continue even when the behaviour brings little satisfaction?
- Has someone close to me expressed concern about the impact of my behaviour?
- Do I feel that my sexual behaviour is increasingly determining how I live my life?
These questions are intended to encourage reflection rather than provide a diagnosis. If several of them resonate with you, a fuller professional assessment may be helpful.
The Sexual Addiction Screening Test
The Sexual Addiction Screening Test, known as the SAST, was developed to help identify signs that may be associated with sexually compulsive behaviour.
The SAST is a screening tool rather than a diagnostic test. Its result should be considered alongside a fuller assessment of your sexual behaviour, relationships, emotional wellbeing, history and present circumstances.
The test uses the language of “sex addiction,” which may not be the most appropriate description for everyone. I use the broader term compulsive sexual behaviour and do not require you to accept a particular label in order to seek help.
Please be aware that this link will take you to an external website operated by IITAP’s Recovery Zone. Relationship Therapy & Recovery is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of that website.
Seeking an Assessment
You do not need to complete a screening test before arranging a consultation. A test score cannot explain why a behaviour has developed, what function it may serve or how it has affected you and others.
A confidential assessment provides an opportunity to consider the pattern in greater depth and decide whether treatment is needed. If you have completed the SAST, you are welcome to bring your results to the consultation.
To arrange an assessment, please call 07939 624 790 or email info@relationship-recovery.co.uk.