Warning Signs Of A Sex Addiction

Written by: Alex Caroline Robboy, CAS, MSW, LCSW, Founder

Warning Signs Sex Addiction:  If you have ever wondered if your partner struggles with a sex addiction, read this list and discover for yourself how well your partner fits the description.

  •  Does your partner wake up early or stay up late to “watch TV” or use “the Internet”?
  • Does your partner prefer pornographic material to being sexual with you?
  • Does your partner engage in excessive use of pornographic material?
  • Does your partner disappear for periods of time or have unaccountable time?
  • Does your partner stay at work “late” or “work” on the computer late at night?
  • Does your partner isolate from his / her friends and family?
  • Does your partner lack sexual energy for you?
  • Does your partner have mood swings before and / or after sex?
  • Does your partner act controlling during lovemaking?
  • Does your partner act demanding about the time and place of sex?
  • Does your partner get mad if you turn his / her offer of sex down?
  • Does your partner throw temper tantrums if sex does not happen her / his way?
  • Does your partner have a sex pattern?
  • During sex, do you feel emotionally disconnected from your partner? Do you feel alone?
  • Can your partner accurately read your non-verbal sexual cues in bed?
  • Do you feel emotionally abandoned after sex?
  • Is your partner nicer to you once he / she got his / her sexual needs met?
  • Does your partner appear depressed?
  • Does your partner react negatively to someone articulating their discomfort about others viewing pornographic material?
  • Does your partner distance self from peers who might intimidate him / her?
  • Is your partner able to pay attention to others? Is she / he narcissistic?
  • Does your partner switch sexual behaviors to “demonstrate” to self or others his / her lack of sexual addiction?
  • Does your partner lack a satisfactory explanation for the toll calls (900 numbers) on the telephone bill, the money spent on the credit card, or what he / she did with the cash withdrawn from the bank?
  • Does your partner always have an explanation for his / her behavior?
  • Does your partner tell an increasing number of white lies?
  • Does your partner tell you that he / she has a sex addiction?
  • Do your partner’s friends, family members or co-workers tell you that he / she has a sex addiction?
If you believe your partner is struggling with a sex addiction we strongly suggest that you seek professional help for yourself with a sex therapist.  The primary reason is that frequently a partner, even when confronted with your concerns may not be ready to admit the issue to her/himself  so they may deny having a problem, which can leave you feeling confused. Thus, we strongly encourage you to seek guidance for yourself as you are trying to assess the situation. Having an outsider look in may help you gain a realistic perspective on if you have a sex addiction or not.

Sex Addiction Treatment in Philadelphia / Sex Addiction Recovery Articles