Can s3x be addictive?

I noticed that if I don’t have s3x in a week I will be feeling very sad and restless. I want to know if it is possible for someone to be addicted to s3x.

Lizzy (by SMS)

Yes, people can experience compulsive s3xual behaviour, often called “s3x addiction,” characterised by an uncontrollable urge for sexual activity despite negative consequences, similar to substance addictions, though it’s not officially in the DSM-5 but recognised as compulsive sexual behaviour (CSBD) by the WHO.

This involves intense cravings, loss of control, preoccupation, and using s3x to cope with emotions, leading to relationship issues, financial problems, or health risks like STIs, with treatment focusing on therapy and support.

Sexual addiction is an intense focus on sexual fantasies, urges or activities that can’t be controlled and cause distress or harm your health, relationships, career or other aspects of your life.

Sexual addiction is the most commonly used lay term. You may hear healthcare professionals call this compulsive s3xual behavior, problematic sexual behaviour, hypers3xuality, disorder, s3xual compulsivity or 3exual impulsivity.

Although s3x addiction involves activities that can be common to a s3x life—such as masturbation, pornography, phone s3x, cybersex, multiple partners and more—it’s when your sexual thoughts and activities consume your life that you may be considered to have a sexual addiction.