New data published by the NHS has revealed that older men are much more likely to struggle with sex addiction than their younger counterparts. In fact, with NHS doctors having treated more than 100 patients over the past five years who are struggling with sex addiction, in the last year alone eight of those were over 80, while four were recorded to be in their 70s.
Not only that but of the 116 people recorded to have been struggling with sex addiction 80 were said to be men while just 36 were women. Sex addiction refers to the inability to control sexual urges and desires and can manifest itself in many different forms.
We’ve asked the team of addiction treatment professionals at Delamere to explain what exactly sex addiction is and the signs to look for if you think your relationship with sex could be becoming unhealthy. The full content is available below or in a Google Document format on request.
What is sex addiction?
Sex Addiction or Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder (CSBD) is a recognised mental health disorder whereby a person takes sexual activity to the extreme and overpowers everything in their life.
It can manifest in many different forms including hookups, pornography, extreme types of sex and even masturbation.
Despite being one of the most misunderstood and overlooked addictions, if left untreated, risk-taking that comes with sex addiction can reach life-threatening levels, while the shame an individual feels can destroy their mental wellbeing.
Does having multiple sexual partners mean that I have a sex addiction?
No. Having a high sex drive, multiple sexual partners at once or routinely watching porn does not mean you are addicted to sex. However, it is important to be wary of how much you engage in these behaviours as they can be contributing factors.
The main overriding symptom of sex addiction is being unable to control sexual urges and desires. If you find that you or someone you love may be losing control over sexual activities it is important to seek the help of a professional immediately.
What are the key symptoms of sex addiction?
When you have a high sex drive or multiple sexual partners regularly, it can be hard to identify yourself and others when it has developed into a genuine addiction.
With this in mind, the team at Delamere have revealed eight signs you may have a sex addiction:
Obsessively Thinking about sex
Persistent and overwhelming thoughts of sex to the extent that a sex addict will have difficulty concentrating on anything else. These obsessive thoughts are only relieved (albeit very temporarily) by engaging in the sexual act they are obsessing over.
The compulsion to engage in sex
A sex addict's brain compels them to engage in sex, even when there is a high probability of negative consequences. The compulsion to engage in sex will also disrupt other areas of a sex addict's life.
Spending excessive time engaging in sex
A sex addict's dependence on sex will disrupt relationships, work or education, finances, personal health and mental wellbeing. They may miss necessary appointments, and neglect their responsibilities and personal relationships to engage in sex.
Loss of control around sex
A sex addict's behaviour will often lead them to feel overwhelming feelings of shame, regret, powerlessness, anxiety and depression. Often a sex addict will lead a double life and have an immense fear of being caught out.
Excluding other activities
A sex addict's behaviour will become all-consuming to the point that they will lose interest in hobbies or activities they once used to enjoy. They are likely to withdraw from family and loved ones due to their preoccupation with sex and their feelings regarding their compulsive behaviour.
Continuation despite negative consequences
A sex addict will suffer negative consequences as a result of their sexual behaviour. Examples of common negative consequences that a sex addict may suffer include being found out as being unfaithful, contracting an STI or STD, unintentionally falling pregnant, and losing a job or a relationship. Despite suffering negative consequences resulting from their sexual behaviour, they will not be able to stop, even if they want to.
Progression of sexual behaviour
Over time sex addicts will find that they need more sex to satisfy their needs or forms of more risky sex. What used to satisfy them will no longer suffice.
They may find themselves excessively watching or engaging in more extreme forms of pornography, having sex more often, committing criminal sexual offences, paying for sex, prostitution or engaging in forms of high-risk sex such as suffocation or strangulation.
Engaging in sex to the point of feeling pain
A sex addict may masturbate so frequently that it becomes painful or have so much sex or types of rough or sadistic sex that they suffer physical pain as a result. Yet this will not stop them from engaging excessively in sexual activity.
