According to SexHelp.com, research shows some of the repercussions reported by sexual addicts include: loss of partner or spouse (40%), unwanted pregnancies (40%), suicidal obsession (72%), exposure to AIDS and venereal disease (68%), and legal risks from nuisance offenses to rape (58%).

SM: How does someone become a sex addict?
Pinsky: At least 60% of all addictions are accounted for based on genetics alone. You need to see some history of alcoholism or addiction somewhere in the family. The second thing is a history of childhood sexual abuse. So you add a family history of alcoholism or addiction to childhood sexual abuse and you’ve pretty much got your recipe. There are other people that develop sexual addiction as a part of a general addiction.

According to SexHelp.com, national surveys show that most sex addicts come from dysfunctional families. Usually at least one other family member has another addiction (87%).

The site says research has also shown a high connection between childhood abuse and sexual addiction in adulthood. Sexual addicts have reported experiencing emotional abuse (97%), sexual abuse (83%) and physical abuse (71%).