By Rachel Fenderson | Founder, Betrayal Trauma & Wellness Institute
What Is Sex Addiction?
Sex addiction—also called compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) or hypersexuality—is defined by uncontrollable sexual urges and behaviors that interfere with daily life. Although not officially recognized in the DSM-5, the World Health Organization classified CSBD as a diagnosable condition in ICD-11 in 2019.
How Many People Are Affected by Sex Addiction in the U.S.?
Current estimates show that 3% to 8% of U.S. adults struggle with sex addiction. That’s approximately 21 to 24 million Americans affected by compulsive sexual behavior. Some studies cite even higher numbers, particularly among younger populations or those with trauma histories.
Who Is Most Affected by Sex Addiction?
Men account for the majority of reported sex addiction cases, with estimates ranging from 80% to 95%. The male-to-female ratio is believed to be between 2:1 and 5:1. Many individuals report that the onset of compulsive sexual behavior occurred before the age of 18.
Co-Occurring Disorders and Underlying Factors
A significant portion of individuals with sex addiction also experience other mental health issues. Up to 88% report symptoms of anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, ADHD, or OCD. Childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and attachment issues are common contributing factors.
Consequences of Sex Addiction
Sex addiction impacts every area of life. Research shows:
– 70–80% face consequences like divorce, job loss, financial trouble or arrests
– 22.8% report separation from a partner
– 27.5% contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Left untreated, sex addiction often worsens and leads to deep emotional pain and isolation.
Why Sex Addiction Remains Under-Treated
Despite the high numbers, only about 14% of individuals with sex addiction seek professional help. Stigma, lack of awareness, and shame often prevent individuals from getting the support they need. With growing clinical recognition, more professionals are offering trauma-informed treatment and coaching.
How Coaching Can Support Recovery from Sex Addiction
Coaching offers structured, nonjudgmental support that helps individuals:
– Identify triggers and patterns
– Develop emotional regulation strategies
– Build healthier relationships and communication skills
– Reclaim self-trust and confidence
– Heal from shame and restore identity
At the Betrayal Trauma & Wellness Institute, we integrate nervous system healing, somatic coaching, and accountability to support true transformation.
Hope and Healing Are Possible
Sex addiction is more common than most people realize, but healing is absolutely possible. Whether you’re affected personally or supporting a loved one, the most important step is acknowledging the problem and seeking help. Coaching offers a safe space to rebuild your life and create lasting change.
Get Support Today
Sources & References
Tikvah Lake Recovery (2023): https://www.tikvahlake.com/blog/sex-addiction-statistics/
Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22690-sex-addiction-hypersexuality-and-compulsive-sexual-behavior
Addiction Group (2023): https://www.addictiongroup.org/addiction/sex/statistics/
Begin Again Institute: https://beginagaininstitute.com/blog/how-many-people-are-sex-addicts/
Mayo Clinic Health System: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/does-society-have-a-sex-addiction-problem
World Health Organization (ICD-11): https://icd.who.int/browse11/l-m/en#/http://id.who.int/icd/entity/1630268048
Wikipedia – Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compulsive_sexual_behaviour_disorder
Research Acknowledgments
This article was researched and compiled by Rachel Fenderson, with support from publicly available health and psychology resources. Data was gathered from clinical studies, government health databases, mental health organizations, and peer-reviewed publications. Every effort was made to ensure accuracy and relevance as of 2025.
Special thanks to researchers and institutions contributing to the evolving field of behavioral addiction and trauma-informed recovery.
Instagram
LinkedIn
