How to know if you are a sex addict or how to know if someone else is. Recently many public figures have been in the limelight not for their movies or athletic ability, but for having been diagnosed with a relatively unheard psychological affliction called se*ual addiction. Make us think of Tiger Woods isn’t it?

For those of us who read the headlines, it prompts the questions, just what is s*xual addiction and more importantly how does one know if they are a s*x addict?

Sexual addiction is the term applied when an individual is either obsessed with s*xual activity to the point that it interferes with other parts of  his life. Like any addiction, s*xual addiction disrupts the normal day to day functioning of the sufferer to the point that actions to satisfy the addiction take precedence over all other activities.

While the term s*xual addiction is not yet classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual issued by the American Psychological Association, experts have arrived upon several symptoms. The presence of these symptoms determines whether a diagnosis of s*xual addiction is appropriate.

To answer the original question, how does one know they are a s*x addict, here are several possible symptoms that should be present.

1. Engaging in s*xual activities or behaviors with an increased frequency and during these periods the activity lasts considerably longer is the most likely first noticeable symptom.
2. Comparable to a drug addict or alcoholic looking for their next high or drink, the s*x addicts’ time will be consumed with when the next act will occur.
3. Their efforts will be focused on orchestrating the situation. An inability to stop the behavior even after it is determined that the behavior is interfering with other aspects of the individuals life such as family, work, school and other intimate relationships will also be present.
4. Psychologists also believe that the s*x addict may become violent if this need is not met.
5. Lastly, the addict will withdraw from other obligations or activities regardless of the consequence to fulfill their needs. This withdrawal also helps to protect the addicts’ secret and allows for more freedom to engage in the activity with less guilt.

So how do you know if you are a s*x addict? Review your lifestyle and track the frequency with which you may engage in sexual thoughts, actions or behaviors over a period of time. In the mainstream population this should remain somewhat steady with a few increases or decreases from time to time. However if upon review a pattern begins to develop that shows increases in the behavior, the frequency lengthens, and there is interference with other aspects of your life, a consultation with a trained Psychologist may be appropriate.

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