Sexual addictions or compulsive sexuality are related to other addictive behaviours by certain semiological elements:

• the impossibility of resisting their sexual urges. 
• relief through sexual intercourse
• the phenomenon of habituation and tolerance
• more time devoted to sexual preoccupations, to the detriment of socio-professional life 
• persistence of the behavior despite damaging repercussions on the couple's life, professional life, infectious complications, etc.
• withdrawal symptoms if sexual behaviour cannot be completed

All these elements correspond to the diagnostic criteria for an addiction.

It should also be noted that other addictive behaviors such as alcohol consumption, excessive use of psychotropic drugs, eating disorders and pathological gambling are frequently associated with sexual addictions.

For further information, we recommend that you consult :

- The IFFS (Institut Français de Formation en Sexothérapie) website, with a special section on sex addiction
- The IFAC (Institut Fédératif des Addictions Comportementales) website, with a special page on sex addiction
- The Geneva University Hospitals website, and their special report on addictions
- The website of Dr Sanquer's practice, psychologist and sexologist

For support in cases of addiction, it's important to consult a professional such as a sexologist or addictologist.

Contents validated by the physicians of the Scientific College of the Ramsay Health Foundation.