A Study of Comorbid Sexual Addiction in Male Patients with Substance Use Disorder: Review Article

Abstract

Background: Sexual addiction involves the inability to control one's sexual behaviour. The classification of excessive sexual behavior as an addiction, compulsion, or impulse control disorder remains debatable due to distinct etiological models and treatment approaches. Despite, causing significant emotional and behavioral issues, sexual addiction disorder has received limited attention from clinicians. Recent research highlights a bidirectional relationship between substance use disorder (SUD) and sexual addiction. Objective: This review article aimed to examine the occurrence of sexual addiction in patients with substance use disorder. We hypothesized that patients with substance use disorder have a higher level of sexual addiction when compared to individuals not suffering from substance use disorder. Methods: We searched Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed and other online databases for Comorbid sexual addiction, Male patients and substance use disorder. The authors also reviewed references from pertinent literature, however only the most recent or comprehensive studies from 2010 to February 2023 were included. Documents in languages other than English were disqualified due to lack of translation-related sources. Papers such as unpublished manuscripts, oral presentations, conference abstracts, and dissertations that were not part of larger scientific studies were excluded. Conclusion:Controversies persist regarding the definition, diagnosis, and treatment of sexual addiction, despite its substantial impact on affected individuals. Although, limited current data support a correlation between SUD and sexual addiction, emphasizing the need for further comprehensive research to elucidate this relationship.