By fantasizing, the addict can maintain an almost constant level of arousal. Just as our bodies generate endorphins, natural antidepressants, during vigorous exercise, our bodies naturally release peptides when sexually aroused. The molecular construction of these peptides parallels that of opiates like heroin or morphine, but are many times more powerful. Regularly increasing the amount of sexual experience because the current level of activity is no longer sufficiently satisfying Sexual addiction is often progressive. While addicts may be able to control themselves for a time, inevitably their addictive behaviors will return and quickly escalate to previous levels and beyond.
Some addicts begin adding additional acting out behaviors.
The emotional pain of withdrawal for sexual addicts can parallel the physical pain experienced by those withdrawing from opiate addiction. Severe mood changes related to sexual activity Addicts experience intense mood shifts, often due to the despair and shame of having unwanted sex. Sexual addicts are caught in a crushing cycle of shame driven and shame-creating behavior. While shame drives the sexual addicts' actions, it also becomes the unwanted consequence of a few moments of euphoric escape into sex. Inordinate amounts of time spent obtaining sex, being sexual, and recovering from sexual experiences Two sets of activities organize sexual addicts' days.