Many people ask how can one know if his or her sexual behaviors are "addictive" or not. According to the wisdom of Alcoholics Anonymous, "It's a problem if its a problem!" Simple wisdom. Currently, most mental health professionals think of sexual addiction as a problem if the behavior is causing a significant impairment in the person's ability to fulfill their major life roles such as employee, husband, wife, father, student, etc... The behaviors are considered "addictive" when it is clear that the person cannot stop doing them, especially inspite of negative consequences. If you're still not sure whether you have a problem or not, take the following Self Test.

Answer true or false to the following questions:

1. I have been dishonest with others about my sexual behaviors.

2. I have engaged in sexual behaviors that are incompatible with my moral values.

3. On multiple occasions, I have masturbated to pornographic materials (print, phone, or internet).

4. Despite my best efforts, I have been unable to stop engaging in these sexual behaviors.

5. Frequently I feel guilt and/or shame about my sexual behaviors.

6. My sexual behaviors have caused problems in my relationships.

7. More than twice I have "stolen time" from my employer by engaging in sexual acts/behaviors while on work time.

8. I have had problems with my employer due to my sexual behaviors.

9. No one else knows about my sexual behaviors.

10. I have "stolen time" from my family or friends to engage in sexual behaviors.

11. Frequently, when I see an attractive person I can’t help but indulge my lustful feelings.

12. If my spouse knew about my sexual behaviors, s/he would likely divorce me.

If you have answered "Yes" to 1 - 3 questions, you may have a problem.
If you have answered "Yes" to 4 - 5 questions, you probably have a problem.
If you have answered "Yes" to 6 or more question, you definitely have a problem.

If you have struggled to change your sexual behaviors and been unsuccessful, you are not alone. We have all shared that struggle. Some of us were able to achieve sobriety through participation in a program such as RSA, while others of us benefited from the assistance of a Christian therapist in addition to our work in the program. We encourage you to consider seeking an assessment and/or professional help from a qualified professional if you answered yes to any of the above items.