By fantasizing, the sex addict can maintain a constant level of arousal. Regularly increasing the amount of sexual experience because the current level of activity is no longer sufficiently satisfying. Sexual addiction is often progressive and while many sex addicts may attempt to control their behavior for a period of time, the behavior returns and quickly escalates to levels beyond those previously experienced. Bingeing occurs to the point of emotional exhaustion, and withdrawal for sex addicts can parallel the physical pain experienced by those withdrawing from opiate addiction. Severe mood changes related to sexual activity.
Sex addicts experience intense shifts in mood, often due to the despair and shame of unwanted sex.
Inordinate amounts of time spent obtaining sex, being sexual, and recovering from sexual experiences. Two sets of activities organize a sexual addict's day. One involves obsession, devoting them to initiating sex, and actually being sexual, the other is dealing with consequences of the sexual behavior. Neglect of important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of sexual behavior. As more of the addict's energy is focused on relationships with sexual potential, healthy relationships and activities suffer from neglect.