Sex addiction, also called sexual compulsivity, is an ongoing, out-of-control pattern of sexual behaviour that continues despite negative consequences for a person's life, relationships, work or wellbeing. Any sexual behaviour can become compulsive, but ATSAC therapists are seeing a growing proportion of clients struggling with online pornography. Other common compulsive behaviours include paying for sex, webcam and chat sites, hook-up apps and repeated affairs. What defines the addiction is not the type or amount of sexual activity, but the loss of control and the harm it causes.

Sex drive is a person’s overall desire for sexual activity. It is determined by a number of different factors such as hormone levels e.g. testosterone, stress levels and other psychological factors, and the health of intimate relationship(s). A high sex drive does not have the negative consequences associated with sex addiction (See ‘What is sex addiction?’)

Yes. Reliable statistics are hard to come by because of the secrecy and shame surrounding sex addiction, but there is good evidence that women are affected too - one US clinical estimate suggests women make up around 10–15% of those seeking help. Women can be less likely to recognise what they are experiencing as sex addiction, partly because it is widely perceived as a male problem, and their behaviours may also present differently for example as compulsive use of dating apps, or online chatrooms.

Yes, recovery is absolutely possible - although our therapists talk about lasting change and regained control rather than a one-off 'cure'. Many people have tried to stop their behaviour on their own with limited success, which can create the belief that sex addiction is untreatable. Unlike alcohol or drug addiction, where the goal is usually lifelong abstinence, most people recovering from sex addiction want to return to a healthy sex life, especially within an intimate relationship. By working with a trained ATSAC therapist to understand the addiction, identify triggers and learn techniques for control and avoidance, people can and do take back control of their lives. Like recovery from any addiction it takes focus and determination - but it works.

A full list of therapists can be found here

Yes. Start by identifying the times, places and feelings that most often trigger your behaviour, and plan ways to avoid or manage them. If online porn is the problem, install content-blocking or accountability software on your devices, and avoid keeping your phone or laptop with you in situations where you are likely to act out. Tell someone you trust - secrecy often feeds addiction. If working with a private therapist isn't possible for financial or other reasons, ask your GP about NHS counselling and request someone experienced in this field. You could also consider a 12-step programme such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), or Sexaholics Anonymous which are free to attend.

He may be addicted but you would need more information to arrive at a diagnosis. If you are worried, try talking to him.

Answering our diagnostic tool may help.

No - it is not your fault. Sex addiction is not caused by a partner being unattractive, or by not having 'enough' sex; it is a compulsive, out-of-control behaviour with roots in the addicted person's own history and ways of coping. In fact, many people with sex addiction despite regular sex with their partners still feel the compulsion to seek sexual gratification elsewhere. Discovering a partner's addiction is often deeply traumatic, so do consider getting support for yourself too - many ATSAC therapists work with partners as well as with those struggling with the addiction.