Diagnosis Dictionary

Sex and Love Addiction (Symptoms)

Yes, love and sex can be addictive—and as destructive, at least socially, as compulsive substance use. The high hinges on physical or psychological arousal, and relationships can be marked by desperation. Successful treatment begins with stress management.

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For love addicts, love:

  • Is all consuming and obsessive
  • Is inhibited
  • Avoids risk or change
  • Lacks true intimacy
  • Is manipulative, strikes deals
  • Is dependent and parasitic
  • Demands the loved one's devotion

Sexual addictions usually are revealed in stages:

  • Preoccupation: continual fantasies about sexual prospects or situations, which can trigger episodes of sexual "acting-out"
  • Ritualization: a preferred sexual activity or situation is often stereotyped and repetitive
  • Compulsion: continual engagement in sexual activity despite negative consequences and desire to stop
  • Despair: guilt or shame over inability to control behavior or feel remorse
  • Other behavioral problems, particularly chemical dependency and eating disorders
Previous: Definition
Sex and Love Addiction. Last reviewed 10/10/2006

Sources:

  • North City Psychological Group, San Diego, CA
  • Addicted to Love: Sex, Love and Compulsion