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Short answer (more nuance below): Sex addiction is a compulsive pattern of sexual behavior that continues despite harmful consequences and a desire to stop. Longer answer: Sex addiction is a complex and often debated condition. While the DSM-5 has been using the term "addiction" less and less and currently recognizes only gambling disorder as a behavioral dependcy in the category of "non-substace-related disorders", many clinicians rely on the broader medical definition provided by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). ASAM defines addiction as a chronic, treatable medical condition involving interactions between brain circuitry, genetics, environment, and personal experiences. It leads to compulsive behaviors that persist despite negative outcomes. In this context, sex addiction may include: Preoccupation with sexual thoughts, fantasies, or behavior. Loss of control, with repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop the behavior. Negative consequences affecting relationships, work, or well-being. Escalation, requiring more frequent or intense sexual activity to achieve the same effect. Withdrawal, including emotional distress when unable to engage in sexual behaviors. Though not formally classified as a use disorder in the DSM-5, many professionals consider compulsive sexual behavior to fall under the broader spectrum of addictive patterns and treat it accordingly. Sources: American Society of Addiction Medicine – Definition of Addiction DSM-5 Substance Use and Addictive Disorders (PDF)

Short answer: Pornography addiction is a compulsive pattern of pornography use that continues despite negative consequences and repeated efforts to stop. Full answer: Pornography addiction is not formally recognized as a distinct diagnosis in the DSM-5, but many clinicians and researchers use the broader definition of addiction from the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). This definition describes addiction as a chronic disease of the brain and behavior, often involving compulsive use of rewarding stimuli despite adverse effects. Pornography addiction may present as: Persistent preoccupation with viewing pornographic material. Loss of control, including failed attempts to quit or reduce use. Negative consequences in personal life, work, or health. Escalation, needing more or more extreme content to achieve the same effect. Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, or distress when abstaining. While ongoing research, such as studies into behavioral addictions like gambling disorder, continues to shape clinical understanding, many individuals experience compulsive pornography use in a way that mirrors other addictive patterns and benefit from evidence-based treatment. Sources: American Society of Addiction Medicine - Definition of Addiction DSM-5 Substance Use and Addictive Disorders (PDF) European Psychiatry - Network Analysis of Gambling Disorder Criteria

Am I a sex addict? Short answer: Seeking a diagnosis via online quizzes and forums is unwise and often severely inaccurate. If your sexual behavior feels out of control, causes distress or harm, and you’ve tried unsuccessfully to change it, you might be experiencing symptoms consistent with sex addiction. Full answer: Determining if you are a sex addict involves an addiction professional reflecting on several key signs, symptoms and indicators to make a diagnosis or even determination. A possible tool called the PATHOS may be used to assist in the diagnostics. Sex addiction generally describes a pattern of compulsive sexual behavior that feels difficult or impossible to control, despite negative effects on your relationships, work, or health. Key indicators include: Persistent, intrusive sexual thoughts or urges disrupting daily life. Repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop sexual behavior. Continuing sexual activity despite causing distress or harm. Withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety or emotional discomfort when abstaining. Escalation, needing more frequent or intense sexual activity to feel satisfied. Feelings of shame, guilt, or secrecy related to sexual behavior. If you answer “Yes” to 3 or more of these questions, it is recommended that you or your client speak with a trained therapist to explore your responses. Feel free to contact me for a free consultation or click here to find a licensed clinical sex addiction counselor (CSAT). Sources PATHOS screening tool and related resources Carnes, P. (2012). PATHOS: A brief screening application for assessing sexual addiction. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 6(1), 29–34. More info Sanchez, A., & Abreu, R. (2015). Using the PATHOS Questionnaire for Screening Sexual Addiction Among College Students: A Preliminary Exploration. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 22(2). More info Carnes, P. (2013). PATHOS: A Quick Screening Method for Assessing Sexual Addiction. The Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling. More info

Warning: Determining if you are a "sex addict" involves an addiction professional reflecting on several key signs, symptoms, and indicators to make a diagnosis or even a determination. A possible tool called the PATHOS may be used to assist in the diagnostics. Answer: With most addictions, both process and behavioral, as well as substance, the hunt to acquire the high is highly addictive in and of itself. There are studies suggesting that dopamine levels while on the "hunt" (in some scientific literature, this "hunt" is referred to as "anticipatory processes") for one’s substance of dependence are just as high or even higher than those of someone who’s actually using the substance or behavior they’re dependent upon Gu et al. (2024). Because of this, compulsively trying to bypass filters might be linked to behavioral or pornography addiction. This intense craving during the “hunt” phase is thought to contribute to why relapse and compulsive seeking are challenging aspects of recovery. Sources: Gu, C., Geng, Y., & Zhu, L. (2024). Dysregulation of dopamine neurotransmission in drug addicts: implications for criminal behavior and corrective interventions. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1434083