By Floyd Godfrey, PhD

As a Clinical Sexologist and Certified Sex Addiction Specialist, I have spent many years working with individuals who struggle with sexual addiction. In my clinical experience, sexual addiction manifests in a variety of ways, making it essential for professionals to use reliable assessment tools to identify the problem accurately. One of the most widely recognized tools in this field is the Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST), developed by Dr. Patrick Carnes. The SAST helps to identify signs of sexual addiction and assess the severity of the behavior, making it a critical component in formulating effective treatment plans.

Signs of Sexual Addiction

Sexual addiction can often be hidden, as it is associated with shame and secrecy. Many clients I have worked with display behaviors that range from compulsive use of pornography to engaging in risky sexual activities despite negative consequences. Common signs of sexual addiction include an inability to control sexual urges, engaging in sexual behavior to escape emotional distress, and neglecting significant aspects of life, such as work or relationships, in favor of sexual activities.

Clients often report a cycle of intense cravings, acting out sexually, followed by guilt or shame. This cycle reinforces addictive behavior, creating a destructive pattern that is difficult to break without professional help. Additionally, many individuals are unaware of the extent of their problem until they seek treatment or face consequences, such as the loss of a relationship or legal trouble.

The Role of the SAST in Assessment

The Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) is a critical tool that helps sex addiction specialists like myself evaluate whether a client is struggling with sexual addiction. Developed by Dr. Patrick Carnes, the SAST consists of a series of questions designed to uncover problematic sexual behaviors, compulsivity, and the impact of these behaviors on the client’s life. This tool is instrumental in assessing the degree to which a client’s sexual behavior is interfering with their personal, professional, and social functioning.

When I administer the SAST, I am looking for patterns in the client’s responses. The questionnaire covers various aspects of sexual behavior, including compulsivity, loss of control, and emotional consequences. A high score on the SAST indicates a significant level of addiction, which can then guide the direction of treatment. The results help both the client and me understand the severity of the problem and form a foundation for developing a tailored recovery plan.

Scoring and Severity of Sexual Addiction

Sex addiction specialists use the SAST to measure the severity of the addiction. Scoring the SAST involves analyzing the responses to determine the presence and intensity of addictive behaviors. The higher the score, the more likely the individual is struggling with a severe form of sexual addiction. This scoring helps us gauge how deep the addiction runs and how long the behavior has likely persisted.

Once a client's SAST score is established, it becomes a powerful tool in therapy. The score not only helps in creating a clear treatment path but also serves as a baseline for tracking progress over time. For instance, clients with higher SAST scores often require more intensive therapy interventions, including both individual and group therapy, alongside a structured recovery program. As clients make progress, we may periodically reassess their behaviors to ensure that they are on the right path toward recovery.

Hope for Recovery

Sexual addiction is a complex and challenging condition, but recovery is possible. Tools like the SAST offer both clients and therapists valuable insights into the problem, allowing for a clear path toward healing. With the right support, individuals struggling with sexual addiction can regain control over their lives, rebuild relationships, and break free from the shame and secrecy that often accompany this addiction.

The journey toward recovery is not always easy, but with structured therapeutic interventions, a commitment to change, and ongoing support, many individuals find long-term success.

Floyd Godfrey, PhD is a Clinical Sexologist and a Certified Sex Addiction Specialist. He has been guiding clients since 2000 and currently speaks and provides consulting and mental health coaching across the globe. To learn more about Floyd Godfrey, PhD please visit his website: www.FloydGodfrey.com.