Hi I'm Ok_Shock1089 and I'm a sex addict. I am powerless over lust, infidelity, and dishonesty. I'm currently in SA and working on changing that.

What I've found through my recovery so far, is that it wasn't the sexual act itself that I'm addicted to, but the lust and all the endorphins that came with it. I've suffered from low self esteem, poor impulse control, bulimia, and self-harm. I also didnt have a good relationship with my mom growing up.

Disclaimer: I'm not blaming any of those things, especially my mom, on my infidelity. My life is mine, my choices are mine, my mistakes are mine. I intentionally made bad decisions knowing the consequences, but I acted out of selfishness. I'm working on it.

Anyway, the self esteem boost, the feelings of being desired and prioritized, the thrill of "the chase." It's intoxicating. The dopamine is unmatched. Or at least, it has been. I want to recover because living how I've been living is miserable. I want to be healthy, productive, confident, and genuinely happy without relying on others to make me feel that way. I need help from people who have been in my situation.

What coping skills/hobbies/activities have you used that give you the same feeling, or close to it? When I feel anxious, upset with my life, bored, marital issues, etc, I escape to sex and lust. I'd love ideas for healthier outlets I can turn to.