Sex addiction resembles other addictions. Sex addicts use sex to self-medicate, to numb distressful emotions. Repeated numbing of distressful emotions can result in depression. Sex addicts, therefore, use sex as an antidepressant. Sex addicts, because they use sex to avoid feeling distressful emotions, also avoid emotional intimacies in relationships.
Sex addicts can feel very lonely and isolated.
Sexual addiction can be fueled by sexual fantasies that are a replacement for real life interaction. Sex addicts spend an unfortunate amount of time in their heads, avoiding life. Sex addicts can be ahead of a moment in time or behind the moment. They are often not in the moment. Not in the here and now.