So far, sex addiction is not officially classified as a disease, partly because sexual behavior rarely poses direct life-threatening risks. The real issue lies in the “addiction” itself.

When faced with anxiety or stress, many people turn to various coping mechanisms—like gaming, gambling, drinking, eating, sex, or exercise—to regulate their emotions. But problems arise when the coping strategy becomes the only way to handle stress, and the root cause of anxiety remains unaddressed. This can lead to a harmful cycle.

For example: With exams approaching, Person A uses masturbation to relieve anxiety. However, due to unhealthy views about sex (forgetting that sex is a natural and positive part of life), they feel intense guilt afterward. The original anxiety isn’t resolved, and now they add sexual anxiety on top of it. Over time, this can spiral out of control and start interfering with daily life and studies.

Sex itself is not wrong—what needs healing is your healthy sexual mindset. Practice noticing negative emotions as they arise, and explore other ways to release stress that suit you—like exercise, meditation, or creative outlets. Try to understand the underlying sources of anxiety or pressure, and address them directly.

If self-help feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for support. You don’t have to face this alone.