The following 20 question test is used as a preliminary assessment tool. The test helps to identify people with sexual impulse disorders. For the test to be effective you need to answer every question. When you submit the test, you will be given a score that will give you an indication of the level of addiction present in your life, however, keep in mind that this test is a preliminary assessment only and is not a substitute for a thorough analysis by a trained addiction professional.
Sex Addiction Quiz
You answered "Yes" to questions.
Your Score
The following concerns were raised by your answers.
- You indicated that you were sexually abused as a child or adolescent. Sexual abuse leaves a serious scar that, left untreated, will affect all of your close relationships.
- You indicated that your behavior has increased in intensity. This is a sure sign of addiction. The brain seeks novelty and as one activity becomes less satisfying you progress to something more erotic or taboo.
- You indicated that a consequence of your sexual behavior has been fatigue while at work. Depending on your occupation this can be dangerous. Often, people are in denial about how much their sexual addiction is affecting their job and yet, being tired clearly lowers your productivity.
- You indicated that your behavior has caused harm to those close to you and yet you continue. Sex addicts often believe that they can hide their behaviors and the people around them won't figure it out. Studies have shown that both spouses and children have knowledge of something being seriously wrong long before the addict discloses his activities.
- You indicated that some of your behaviors are against the law. It is a common addictive trait to believe that you can get away with your behavior and that you won't be caught. Yet people are caught every day and each one of them thought the risk was worth it. Seek help before you do get caught.
- You indicated that you've had times when you realized that these behaviors need to stop. These are called "moments of clarity": when the denial lifts and you realize that something has to change, that you cannot go on like this. These moments are windows that only stay open for a little while. If you are in one of these moments, I urge you to seek help.
- You indicated that you have lied to your spouse or have withheld the truth. Whether you are hiding the truth or outright lying, you are being deceptive. Without truth there can be no trust and without trust a relationship slowly dies. You may not realize how much damage your secrets have caused until you are walking in the light.
- You indicated that you have been shocked or scared by some of the behaviors that you've participated in. Sexual addiction has a life of its own. You will end up in places and wonder how you got there.
- You indicated that you have neglected important parts of your life in favor of pursuing a sexual high. Addiction works its way to the top of your list of priorities. You neglect people and activities that you truly care about and wonder why.
- You indicated that you have acted against your own moral code. Remember the movie Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde? Good guy by day and monster by night? Addiction turns us into people we do not respect and so we act out some more in order to cover the shame.
- You indicated that you have made promises to yourself or to those close to you that you will stop or limit your sexual behaviors but you've been unable to follow through. At the time you made the promise you may have been sincere, but your addiction is stronger than your best intentions.
This test is not a substitute for a thorough assessment by a trained addiction professional. If you want to change or if you are simply tired of living two lives, I urge you to seek help. The sessions are all confidential.