Are you a Sex Addict?

William Gaultiere, Ph.D. (c) 2001

Do you (or someone you know) have a problem with compulsive sexual behavior? Has your sexual behavior become a compulsion that has diminished your enjoyment or productivity in your relationships or work? Take the "AN ADDICT" self-test for sexual addiction and find out.

1. A lone. Do you feel disconnected during sex? Do you want to get away from your partner after sex? Do you masturbate to pornography?

2. N on-premeditated use. Do family, friends, or conscience tell you to stop a sexual behavior, but yet you continue? Do you continue with a sexual compulsion in spite of negative consequences (guilt, relational conflict, risk or reality of disease, risk of pregnancy)?

3. A mnesia. Do hours seem like minutes when you indulge in your sexual compulsion? Do you sometimes forget appointments or commitments because of your sexual behavior?

4. D epend on the “high.” Do you use the excitement or pleasure of sexual activity to get good feelings? Do you feel restless, irritable, or depressed if you go an extended period of time without sex? Have you tried unsuccessfully to cut back or stop a sexual compulsion?

5. D istracted. Are you distracted by sexual thoughts? Do you look for arousing stimuli in the media or in people around you? Has your performance at work or school decreased because of sexual activity?

6. I ncreased tolerance. Are you able to have sex more than most people? Is it taking more or varied sexual activities to bring you the good feelings you seek?

7. C onceal supply. Do you have secret access to sexually arousing stimuli? Do you tell lies to cover up your sexual behaviors?

8. T ranquilizer. Do you use sex to feel better or to escape feelings of depression, guilt, or anxiety? Do you use sex to forget about your problems or a conflict?

Scoring: Three or more "yes" answers indicate that you may have a problem with compulsive sex. For diagnoses and treatment consult in person with a doctor or psychotherapist.

William Gaultiere, Ph.D. offers “Christian Soul Care” as a Clinical Psychologist and Spiritual Director in Irvine, CA.  He is also the Executive Director of the New Hope Crisis Counseling Center at the Crystal Cathedral where he’s trained over 1,000 people in Christian counseling skills.  He offers free encouraging articles on Psychology, Family, and Christian Spirituality and a monthly e-mail devotional that you can sign up for at his website, ChristianSoulCare.com.