What to Do About a Sexting Addiction

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Sexting?Sexting and Sex AddictionSigns of Sexting AddictionWhat to Do If You’re Addicted to Sexting

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

What Is Sexting?

Sexting and Sex Addiction

Signs of Sexting Addiction

What to Do If You’re Addicted to Sexting

Sexting is the practice of sending or receiving sexual text messages. It can be a way to stay connected to your partner when you’re apart. For some people, sending sexually explicit material via digital devices might lead to becoming addicted to sexting.While sexting addiction is not a diagnosable mental health condition, many experts say it can be part ofsexual addictionand significantly impact daily functioning.At a GlanceBeing addicted to sexting might look like becoming preoccupied with sending or receiving sexual text messages. People with a sexting addiction might ignore responsibilities and relationships to engage in this behavior. It’s not a diagnosable disorder, but that doesn’t mean this behavior can’t take a toll on a person’s life, relationships, and well-being.Learn more about how to spot the signs and how you can get help if you think you might be addicted to sexting.What Is Sexting?Sexting refers to the act of sending sexually explicit messages, photos, images or videos via cell phone, computer, or any digital device. Sexting can include photos and videos containing nudity or showing simulated sex acts, but can also include text messages, private messages, or emails that discuss or propose sex acts.Not all sexting is harmful or addictive. Couples may exchange sexts as part of their romantic or sexual activity.Sexting is typically carried out deliberately, with people sending sexts about themselves. But sometimes, sext messages that contain sexually explicit material about someone else can be sent, in some cases when the subject of the sexts has not given consent. Research has found that 12% of teenagers have forwarded sext messages without consent.Sexts can also be sent to someone who does not wish to receive sexually explicit material. Nearly 14% of teenagers report receiving unwanted sexting images.Because sexting is a recent phenomenon, it has not yet been adequately researched, and healthy limits to sexting have not yet been worked out. However, many people have found themselves in trouble over sexually explicit sexts.One of the worst-case scenarios is when teenagers sext sexually explicit pictures of themselves and are subsequently accused of distributing child pornography.Sexting and Sex AddictionWith mobile devices making sexting constantly available, sexting addiction has become more widespread. In fact, some estimates suggest that online porn addiction and sexting comprise the most common subtype ofinternet addiction.Sexting can be a symptom or manifestation ofsexual addiction, an illness like other addictions that causes destructive consequences. For some, sexting is the primary behavior involved insexual addiction.For others, an all-consuming interest inpornography, sexual encounters with sex workers, pathologicalinfidelity, orcybersex relationshipscan be the main focus of the addiction.Sexual addiction is related to obsessive and compulsive thoughts and actions, and the inability to control behavior, even when the addiction is destroying finances, self-esteem, a career, and evenfamily relationships.Similar toother addictions, sexual addiction is progressive. This means that the person who has a sexual addiction will spend more and more time and energy engaging in the specific behaviors related to their addiction.People who have a sex addiction often seek more intense experiences as the addiction progresses to achieve the same “high” they once got from more benign activities.Sexting Addiction Risk FactorsCertain people are more likely than others to develop a problem with sexting, including those with:Another type of sexual addictionDistorted body imageLow self-esteemUntreated sexual dysfunctionSigns of Sexting AddictionSome signs that you might be addicted to sexting include:Your sexting affects your ability to function in your daily lifeYour personal relationships have suffered as a result of your sextingYou ignore work or school because you are busy sextingYou turn down invitations to social events so you can stay home and sextYou are hiding your sexting from your partnerSo how can you tell if sexting is becoming an addiction for you or someone you care about? As with all addictions, sexting becomes problematic if it interferes with your daily activities and hurts your personal or professional life.For example, it’s a problem if your sexting prevents you from completing work or school responsibilities or if you’d rather spend hours sexting than attending social or family functions.Yet another sign of addiction would besexting with another person behind your partner’s backor sexting with multiple partners just to get a “fix,” without knowing who they are or having any intent to form personal relationships.The Sexualization of Young Girls and Mental Health ProblemsWhat to Do If You’re Addicted to SextingTreating a sexting addiction often requires support from professionals.Treatment can be particularly complicated because refraining from the use of a mobile phone is not practical in today’s environment. With that temptation always in hand, people addicted to sexting must be vigilant about relapsing.Cognitive-Behavioral TherapyWorking with a psychologist who can provide the mosteffective treatment methods, such ascognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), will be essential. CBT focuses on addressing the thoughts, behaviors, and coping mechanisms that play a part in addictive behavior.A trained mental health professional can help you or someone you care about develop effective relapse-prevention skills to help address sexting addiction.Family TherapyYour relationships may have suffered due to your sexting, sofamily therapymay also be part of your recovery. While there are no established medications used to treat sex addiction, medications may be prescribed if you have cooccurring anxiety or mood disorder.Sex Addiction ProgramsBecause sexting and pornography addiction are becoming more common, many new inpatient and outpatient centers focusing on treating these disorders have become available worldwide.Other types ofsex addiction therapycan also be helpful. Such treatments may involve psychodynamic therapy, exposure therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and couples therapy.MedicationsIn some cases, medications may be prescribed to help people manage some symptoms of sexting addiction. This may includeselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)to help stabilize moods and manage cravings and obsessions.Naltrexone, a medication that can be used to treat opiate addiction and alcohol use disorder, is sometimes used off-label in treating sex addiction.Support GroupsIn addition, a self-helpsupport group programsuch as Sex Addicts Anonymous can be helpful in achieving and maintaining recovery.If you or a loved one are struggling with sexting or a sex addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.The 5 Best Online Sex Therapy Programs

While sexting addiction is not a diagnosable mental health condition, many experts say it can be part ofsexual addictionand significantly impact daily functioning.

At a GlanceBeing addicted to sexting might look like becoming preoccupied with sending or receiving sexual text messages. People with a sexting addiction might ignore responsibilities and relationships to engage in this behavior. It’s not a diagnosable disorder, but that doesn’t mean this behavior can’t take a toll on a person’s life, relationships, and well-being.Learn more about how to spot the signs and how you can get help if you think you might be addicted to sexting.

At a Glance

Being addicted to sexting might look like becoming preoccupied with sending or receiving sexual text messages. People with a sexting addiction might ignore responsibilities and relationships to engage in this behavior. It’s not a diagnosable disorder, but that doesn’t mean this behavior can’t take a toll on a person’s life, relationships, and well-being.Learn more about how to spot the signs and how you can get help if you think you might be addicted to sexting.

Learn more about how to spot the signs and how you can get help if you think you might be addicted to sexting.

Sexting refers to the act of sending sexually explicit messages, photos, images or videos via cell phone, computer, or any digital device. Sexting can include photos and videos containing nudity or showing simulated sex acts, but can also include text messages, private messages, or emails that discuss or propose sex acts.

Not all sexting is harmful or addictive. Couples may exchange sexts as part of their romantic or sexual activity.

Sexting is typically carried out deliberately, with people sending sexts about themselves. But sometimes, sext messages that contain sexually explicit material about someone else can be sent, in some cases when the subject of the sexts has not given consent. Research has found that 12% of teenagers have forwarded sext messages without consent.

Sexts can also be sent to someone who does not wish to receive sexually explicit material. Nearly 14% of teenagers report receiving unwanted sexting images.

Because sexting is a recent phenomenon, it has not yet been adequately researched, and healthy limits to sexting have not yet been worked out. However, many people have found themselves in trouble over sexually explicit sexts.

One of the worst-case scenarios is when teenagers sext sexually explicit pictures of themselves and are subsequently accused of distributing child pornography.

With mobile devices making sexting constantly available, sexting addiction has become more widespread. In fact, some estimates suggest that online porn addiction and sexting comprise the most common subtype ofinternet addiction.

Sexting can be a symptom or manifestation ofsexual addiction, an illness like other addictions that causes destructive consequences. For some, sexting is the primary behavior involved insexual addiction.

For others, an all-consuming interest inpornography, sexual encounters with sex workers, pathologicalinfidelity, orcybersex relationshipscan be the main focus of the addiction.

Sexual addiction is related to obsessive and compulsive thoughts and actions, and the inability to control behavior, even when the addiction is destroying finances, self-esteem, a career, and evenfamily relationships.

Similar toother addictions, sexual addiction is progressive. This means that the person who has a sexual addiction will spend more and more time and energy engaging in the specific behaviors related to their addiction.

People who have a sex addiction often seek more intense experiences as the addiction progresses to achieve the same “high” they once got from more benign activities.

Sexting Addiction Risk FactorsCertain people are more likely than others to develop a problem with sexting, including those with:Another type of sexual addictionDistorted body imageLow self-esteemUntreated sexual dysfunction

Sexting Addiction Risk Factors

Certain people are more likely than others to develop a problem with sexting, including those with:Another type of sexual addictionDistorted body imageLow self-esteemUntreated sexual dysfunction

Certain people are more likely than others to develop a problem with sexting, including those with:

Some signs that you might be addicted to sexting include:

So how can you tell if sexting is becoming an addiction for you or someone you care about? As with all addictions, sexting becomes problematic if it interferes with your daily activities and hurts your personal or professional life.

For example, it’s a problem if your sexting prevents you from completing work or school responsibilities or if you’d rather spend hours sexting than attending social or family functions.

Yet another sign of addiction would besexting with another person behind your partner’s backor sexting with multiple partners just to get a “fix,” without knowing who they are or having any intent to form personal relationships.

The Sexualization of Young Girls and Mental Health Problems

Treating a sexting addiction often requires support from professionals.Treatment can be particularly complicated because refraining from the use of a mobile phone is not practical in today’s environment. With that temptation always in hand, people addicted to sexting must be vigilant about relapsing.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Working with a psychologist who can provide the mosteffective treatment methods, such ascognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), will be essential. CBT focuses on addressing the thoughts, behaviors, and coping mechanisms that play a part in addictive behavior.

A trained mental health professional can help you or someone you care about develop effective relapse-prevention skills to help address sexting addiction.

Family Therapy

Your relationships may have suffered due to your sexting, sofamily therapymay also be part of your recovery. While there are no established medications used to treat sex addiction, medications may be prescribed if you have cooccurring anxiety or mood disorder.

Sex Addiction Programs

Because sexting and pornography addiction are becoming more common, many new inpatient and outpatient centers focusing on treating these disorders have become available worldwide.

Other types ofsex addiction therapycan also be helpful. Such treatments may involve psychodynamic therapy, exposure therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and couples therapy.

Medications

In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help people manage some symptoms of sexting addiction. This may includeselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)to help stabilize moods and manage cravings and obsessions.

Naltrexone, a medication that can be used to treat opiate addiction and alcohol use disorder, is sometimes used off-label in treating sex addiction.

Support Groups

In addition, a self-helpsupport group programsuch as Sex Addicts Anonymous can be helpful in achieving and maintaining recovery.

If you or a loved one are struggling with sexting or a sex addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

The 5 Best Online Sex Therapy Programs

12 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Dir AL, Koo C, Cyders MA.Sexting: A new and emerging behavior of risk. In: Assailly JP, ed.,Psychology of emotions, motivations and actions. Psychology of risk-taking.New York: Nova Science Publishers; 2013.Gassó AM, Klettke B, Agustina JR, Montiel I.Sexting, mental health, and victimization among adolescents: A literature review.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(13):2364. doi:10.3390/ijerph16132364Lu Y, Baumler E, Temple JR.Multiple forms of sexting and associations with psychosocial health in early adolescents.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(5):2760. doi:10.3390/ijerph18052760Van Ouytsel J, Lu Y, Temple JR.An exploratory study of online early sexual initiation through pressured and unwanted sexting.J Sex Res. 2022;59(6):742-748. doi:10.1080/00224499.2021.1963650Strasburger VC, Zimmerman H, Temple JR, Madigan S.Teenagers, sexting, and the law.Pediatrics. 2019;143(5):e20183183. doi:10.1542/peds.2018-3183de Alarcón R, de la Iglesia JI, Casado NM, Montejo AL.Online porn addiction: What we know and what we don’t-A systematic review.J Clin Med. 2019;8(1):91. doi:10.3390/jcm8010091Duffy A, Dawson DL, das Nair R.Pornography addiction in adults: A systematic review of definitions and reported impact.J Sex Med. 2016;13(5):760–777. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.03.002Counselor Magazine.Sexual addiction: Tolerance and escalation.Weinstein AM, Zolek R, Babkin A, Cohen K, Lejoyeux M.Factors predicting cybersex use and difficulties in forming intimate relationships among male and female users of cybersex.Front Psychiatry. 2015;6:54. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00054George M, Maheshwari S, Chandran S, Rao SS, Shivanand MJ, Sathyanarayana Rao TS.Psychosocial intervention for sexual addiction.Indian J Psychiatry. 2018;60(Suppl 4):S510-S513. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_38_18Singh G, Singh H, Magny S, Virk I, Gill M.Use of fluoxetine in treating compulsive sexual behavior: A case report.Cureus. 2022;14(9):e29245. doi:10.7759/cureus.29245Sultana T, Sahib Din J.Compulsive sexual behavior and alcohol use disorder treated with naltrexone: A case report and literature review.Cureus. 2022;14(6):e25804 doi:10.7759/cureus.25804

12 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Dir AL, Koo C, Cyders MA.Sexting: A new and emerging behavior of risk. In: Assailly JP, ed.,Psychology of emotions, motivations and actions. Psychology of risk-taking.New York: Nova Science Publishers; 2013.Gassó AM, Klettke B, Agustina JR, Montiel I.Sexting, mental health, and victimization among adolescents: A literature review.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(13):2364. doi:10.3390/ijerph16132364Lu Y, Baumler E, Temple JR.Multiple forms of sexting and associations with psychosocial health in early adolescents.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(5):2760. doi:10.3390/ijerph18052760Van Ouytsel J, Lu Y, Temple JR.An exploratory study of online early sexual initiation through pressured and unwanted sexting.J Sex Res. 2022;59(6):742-748. doi:10.1080/00224499.2021.1963650Strasburger VC, Zimmerman H, Temple JR, Madigan S.Teenagers, sexting, and the law.Pediatrics. 2019;143(5):e20183183. doi:10.1542/peds.2018-3183de Alarcón R, de la Iglesia JI, Casado NM, Montejo AL.Online porn addiction: What we know and what we don’t-A systematic review.J Clin Med. 2019;8(1):91. doi:10.3390/jcm8010091Duffy A, Dawson DL, das Nair R.Pornography addiction in adults: A systematic review of definitions and reported impact.J Sex Med. 2016;13(5):760–777. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.03.002Counselor Magazine.Sexual addiction: Tolerance and escalation.Weinstein AM, Zolek R, Babkin A, Cohen K, Lejoyeux M.Factors predicting cybersex use and difficulties in forming intimate relationships among male and female users of cybersex.Front Psychiatry. 2015;6:54. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00054George M, Maheshwari S, Chandran S, Rao SS, Shivanand MJ, Sathyanarayana Rao TS.Psychosocial intervention for sexual addiction.Indian J Psychiatry. 2018;60(Suppl 4):S510-S513. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_38_18Singh G, Singh H, Magny S, Virk I, Gill M.Use of fluoxetine in treating compulsive sexual behavior: A case report.Cureus. 2022;14(9):e29245. doi:10.7759/cureus.29245Sultana T, Sahib Din J.Compulsive sexual behavior and alcohol use disorder treated with naltrexone: A case report and literature review.Cureus. 2022;14(6):e25804 doi:10.7759/cureus.25804

Dir AL, Koo C, Cyders MA.Sexting: A new and emerging behavior of risk. In: Assailly JP, ed.,Psychology of emotions, motivations and actions. Psychology of risk-taking.New York: Nova Science Publishers; 2013.Gassó AM, Klettke B, Agustina JR, Montiel I.Sexting, mental health, and victimization among adolescents: A literature review.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(13):2364. doi:10.3390/ijerph16132364Lu Y, Baumler E, Temple JR.Multiple forms of sexting and associations with psychosocial health in early adolescents.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(5):2760. doi:10.3390/ijerph18052760Van Ouytsel J, Lu Y, Temple JR.An exploratory study of online early sexual initiation through pressured and unwanted sexting.J Sex Res. 2022;59(6):742-748. doi:10.1080/00224499.2021.1963650Strasburger VC, Zimmerman H, Temple JR, Madigan S.Teenagers, sexting, and the law.Pediatrics. 2019;143(5):e20183183. doi:10.1542/peds.2018-3183de Alarcón R, de la Iglesia JI, Casado NM, Montejo AL.Online porn addiction: What we know and what we don’t-A systematic review.J Clin Med. 2019;8(1):91. doi:10.3390/jcm8010091Duffy A, Dawson DL, das Nair R.Pornography addiction in adults: A systematic review of definitions and reported impact.J Sex Med. 2016;13(5):760–777. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.03.002Counselor Magazine.Sexual addiction: Tolerance and escalation.Weinstein AM, Zolek R, Babkin A, Cohen K, Lejoyeux M.Factors predicting cybersex use and difficulties in forming intimate relationships among male and female users of cybersex.Front Psychiatry. 2015;6:54. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00054George M, Maheshwari S, Chandran S, Rao SS, Shivanand MJ, Sathyanarayana Rao TS.Psychosocial intervention for sexual addiction.Indian J Psychiatry. 2018;60(Suppl 4):S510-S513. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_38_18Singh G, Singh H, Magny S, Virk I, Gill M.Use of fluoxetine in treating compulsive sexual behavior: A case report.Cureus. 2022;14(9):e29245. doi:10.7759/cureus.29245Sultana T, Sahib Din J.Compulsive sexual behavior and alcohol use disorder treated with naltrexone: A case report and literature review.Cureus. 2022;14(6):e25804 doi:10.7759/cureus.25804

Gassó AM, Klettke B, Agustina JR, Montiel I.Sexting, mental health, and victimization among adolescents: A literature review.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(13):2364. doi:10.3390/ijerph16132364

Lu Y, Baumler E, Temple JR.Multiple forms of sexting and associations with psychosocial health in early adolescents.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(5):2760. doi:10.3390/ijerph18052760

Van Ouytsel J, Lu Y, Temple JR.An exploratory study of online early sexual initiation through pressured and unwanted sexting.J Sex Res. 2022;59(6):742-748. doi:10.1080/00224499.2021.1963650

Strasburger VC, Zimmerman H, Temple JR, Madigan S.Teenagers, sexting, and the law.Pediatrics. 2019;143(5):e20183183. doi:10.1542/peds.2018-3183

de Alarcón R, de la Iglesia JI, Casado NM, Montejo AL.Online porn addiction: What we know and what we don’t-A systematic review.J Clin Med. 2019;8(1):91. doi:10.3390/jcm8010091

Duffy A, Dawson DL, das Nair R.Pornography addiction in adults: A systematic review of definitions and reported impact.J Sex Med. 2016;13(5):760–777. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.03.002

Counselor Magazine.Sexual addiction: Tolerance and escalation.

Weinstein AM, Zolek R, Babkin A, Cohen K, Lejoyeux M.Factors predicting cybersex use and difficulties in forming intimate relationships among male and female users of cybersex.Front Psychiatry. 2015;6:54. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00054

George M, Maheshwari S, Chandran S, Rao SS, Shivanand MJ, Sathyanarayana Rao TS.Psychosocial intervention for sexual addiction.Indian J Psychiatry. 2018;60(Suppl 4):S510-S513. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_38_18

Singh G, Singh H, Magny S, Virk I, Gill M.Use of fluoxetine in treating compulsive sexual behavior: A case report.Cureus. 2022;14(9):e29245. doi:10.7759/cureus.29245

Sultana T, Sahib Din J.Compulsive sexual behavior and alcohol use disorder treated with naltrexone: A case report and literature review.Cureus. 2022;14(6):e25804 doi:10.7759/cureus.25804

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At a Glance#

Sexting Addiction Risk Factors#

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy#

Family Therapy#

Sex Addiction Programs#

Medications#

Support Groups#