Sex addiction—also referred to as hypersexuality or compulsive sexual behavior—is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, uncontrollable sexual thoughts, urges, or actions that interfere with daily functioning and strain personal relationships. A person with compulsive sexual behavior may engage in self-defeating actions that distort or undermine healthy sexual expression, even within the context of a committed relationship. But recovery is possible. Teresa Zuvela at Woodland Pathways Counseling offers professional diagnosis, treatment, and support for those seeking sex addiction therapy in Tacoma, Washington.

Symptoms of Compulsive Sexual Behavior

Sex addiction often develops as a way to cope with stress or emotional discomfort, but the behavior becomes compulsive and disruptive over time. Here are some behaviors associated with sex addiction:

• Compulsive masturbation that interferes with daily life or responsibilities
• Excessive pornography use that leads to distress or functional impairment
• Chronic infidelity or difficulty maintaining sexual boundaries
• Exhibitionistic behavior
• Engaging in unsafe, high-risk sexual practices
• Paying for anonymous sex despite negative consequences
• Compulsive sexual encounters
• Voyeuristic behaviors, such as secretly watching others
• Frequent one-night stands or serial monogamous relationships driven by sexual compulsion

Individuals with sexual addiction experience serious consequences as a result of their behavior and may feel powerless to stop, regardless of the outcome. In Patrick Carnes’ book Don’t Call It Love, 1991, some of the losses reported include:

• Loss of partner or spouse (40%)
• Severe marital or relationship problems (70%)
• Loss of career opportunities (27%)
• Unwanted pregnancies (40%)
• Abortions (36%)
• Suicide obsession (72%)
• Suicide attempts (17%)
• Exposure to AIDS and STIs (68%)
• Legal risks from nuisance offenses to rape (58%)

Individuals experiencing sex addiction may engage in self-destructive behaviors, even when they are aware that their actions will have painful or harmful consequences. Despite this awareness, the compulsive nature of the condition often overrides judgment, leading to repeated behaviors that conflict with personal values or long-term goals. This can sometimes present as a pattern of avoidance or defiance, where the individual adopts a mindset of “I’ll deal with the consequences later,” reflecting the internal struggle between impulse and control.

Attempts To Control Behavior

People with sexual compulsions generally have a desire to limit or control their actions. To manage their impulses, they may attempt to create external barriers, such as:

• Making significant life changes—like getting married or moving to a new neighborhood or city—to start fresh
• Altering routines or environments to reduce opportunities for compulsive behavior (such as an exhibitionist driving a vehicle that makes such behavior more difficult)
• Immersing themselves in religious practices as a way to seek control
• Entering periods of sexual avoidance, during which they refrain from all forms of sexual expression

These strategies do not resolve the underlying issues. For example, religious immersion may temporarily soothe feelings of shame, but it does not directly address the compulsive behavior. In many cases, these attempts at control may intensify the internal conflict and reinforce the cycle of addiction.

The Cycle of Sexual Addiction

Individuals with sex addiction use sexual obsession and fantasy as a way to cope with emotional distress. Although their behaviors may temporarily relieve anxiety, they often spend excessive time in a heightened state of arousal, driven by intrusive thoughts and compulsive fantasizing.

Much like the release of endorphins during vigorous exercise (which produces antidepressant-like effects), sexual arousal activates a powerful neurochemical response, releasing dopamine, oxytocin, and endogenous opioids—the brain’s natural pain-relieving and pleasure-inducing chemicals. These peptides, which function similarly to morphine, create sensations of pleasure, bonding, and reward. In sex addiction, this can strongly reinforce compulsive behavior, making it increasingly difficult to control despite negative consequences.

As a result, those with compulsive sexual behavior may increase the frequency or intensity of their sexual activities over time. This reflects the progressive nature of sex addiction, where greater stimulation is needed to achieve the desired effect. However, it is possible to break the cycle with the proper support.

Reach Out to a Sex Addiction Therapist in Tacoma, WA

If you’re ready to take the first step toward healing and regaining control of your life, please reach out to Woodland Pathways Counseling for sex addiction therapy in Tacoma, WA. As a certified sex addiction therapist (CSAT), Teresa Zuvela can guide you toward lasting recovery and personal growth.