Is Sex Addiction Really a Thing?
About this episode
The episode explores the complexities and controversies surrounding sex addiction and its recognition in mental health discourse.
We need to talk about sex addiction — because culturally, this phrase gets thrown around a lot . And depending on who you ask, it’s either a legitimate disorder… or a moral panic wrapped in clinical language. Either way, it is certainly true that some people need expert support to realign their sexual behavior with their values and intentions, and heal any wounds that may underlie sexual acting out. But is addiction the one best model for doing this work? In this episode of But For Real , we’re diving into the messy, controversial world of sex addiction, porn use, and what clinicians actually mean when they talk about “out of control sexual behavior.” Because here’s the truth: the phrase sex addict gets used everywhere — in couples fights, celebrity scandals, religious communities, and treatment centers. But clinically, the picture is way more nuanced. We’re asking: Is sex addiction actually recognized as a mental health disorder? Why does the DSM not include it? What’s the difference between a high libido, a porn habit, and something that’s truly out of control? And how much of this conversation is shaped by moral judgment, religion, and cultural discomfort around sex? Because…
People in this episode
Hosts: Valerie Martin, Emerson Ryder
Topics covered
- sex addiction
- mental health
- sexual behavior
- porn use
- cultural perceptions
- clinical language
Keywords
- sex addiction
- mental health disorder
- porn habit
- high libido
- out of control sexual behavior
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: DSM
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