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| Sex Addiction Criteria |  There many after-effects of this addiction, which include social deviation and even suicide. Many addicted ones are arrested and imprisoned without being offered help. They may hurt people around them by their addiction. They usually feel remorse and guilt.
Those who are closely connected to them suffer either directly or indirectly and share in the growing sense of hopelessness and helplessness which can often lead to suicide. They need help. Many addicted ones find a way they can get help to normal functioning and heightened self worth. Success follows an honest admission of the problem and the seeking of help from others who understand the nature of the problem and will not seek to judge them.
There is no consensus in the medical community that sexual addiction really exists. It is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Those who support its diagnosis describe it as being in many ways similar to other addictions. The activity comes to be used as a way to bilious mood or stress and may become more severe with time.
Patrick Carnes, a pioneer researcher in the field of sexual addiction, asserts there are ten specific criteria of addiction.1. Recurrent failure (pattern) to resist impulses to engage in specific sexual behavior.
2. Frequent engaging in those behaviors to a greater extent or over a longer period of time than intended.
3. Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to stop, reduce, or control those behaviors.
4. Inordinate amount of time spent in obtaining sex, being sexual or recovering from sexual experience.
5. Preoccupation with the behavior or preparatory activities.
6. Frequent engaging in the behavior when expected to fulfill occupational, academic, domestic or social obligations.
7. Continuation of the behavior despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent social, financial, psychological or physical problem that is caused or exacerbated by the behavior.
8. Need to increase the intensity, frequency, number or risk of behaviors to achieve the desired effect or diminished effect with continued behaviors at the same level of intensity, frequency, number or risk.
9. Giving up or limiting social, occupational or recreational activities because of the behavior.
10. Distress, anxiety, restlessness or irritability if unable to engage in the behavior.
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