Sex
Sexual activity, including orgasm — a powerful natural reward that releases dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin, driving bonding, pleasure, and motivation.
Too little may be associated with
Lower mood, intimacy and stress relief for some.
Too much may be associated with
Compulsive patterns; risk of infection or relationship harm.
Informational only — not medical advice.
Body systems
Organs
Hormones
Neurotransmitters
Related
Books (11)
A Gentle Path through the Twelve Steps
Breaking the Cycle: Free Yourself from Sex Addiction, Porn Obsession, and Shame
Don’t Call It Love: Recovery from Sexual Addiction
Facing the Shadow: Starting Sexual and Relationship Recovery
In the Shadows of the Net: Breaking Free of Compulsive Online Sexual Behavior
Mending a Shattered Heart: A Guide for Partners of Sex Addicts
Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction
Ready to Heal: Women Facing Love, Sex, and Relationship Addiction
Sex Addiction 101: A Basic Guide to Healing from Sex, Porn, and Love Addiction
Sex Addicts Anonymous: 3rd Edition Conference Approved
The Sex Addiction Workbook: Proven Strategies to Help You Regain Control of Your Life
Podcasts
- Ask the Unfaithful
Candid conversations about infidelity, affair recovery, and rebuilding trust and intimacy in relationships.
- Attitudes of sexual integrity! Freedom from porn and sex compulsions! Addiction Recovery [Sex] Mode!
Guidance and stories on recovering from sex addiction.
![Attitudes of sexual integrity! Freedom from porn and sex compulsions! Addiction Recovery [Sex] Mode! logo](https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts125/v4/54/fb/45/54fb45c1-ad9f-08fd-749e-38d53d07654f/mza_6616039506220882125.jpg/600x600bb.jpg)
- Betrayal Trauma Recovery
Support for partners affected by a loved one’s compulsive sexual behavior.
- Couples Healing From Pornography Addiction
Marnie Breecker on healing relationships after sex-addiction betrayal.
- Porn Free Radio
Matt Dobschuetz on quitting pornography and compulsive sexual behavior.
- Sex Addicted Christian
Understanding compulsive sexual behavior and the path to recovery.
- Sex, Love, and Addiction
Dr. Rob Weiss on sex addiction, porn addiction, and intimacy disorders.
- The Naked Truth with Lauren
Conversations on recovery from sex, porn, and love addiction.
Research (5)
- Exercise biomarkers Siebers et al. (2026)
- Ethnopharmacology of Love Leonti et al. (2018)
- Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) Expert Consensus Panel Review Goldstein et al. (2017)
- Editorial Kasper (2016)
- Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy Field et al. (2005)
Links
Recovery resources
Help for sex use and recovery. Not an endorsement or medical advice — see all recovery resources.
COSA
A 12-step recovery program for those affected by another person's compulsive sexual behavior.
CoSLAA
A fellowship for the family members and loved ones of sex and love addicts.
Porn Addicts Anonymous (PAA)
A 12-step fellowship for people seeking recovery from pornography addiction.
Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA)
A 12-step fellowship for people who want to stop compulsive sexual behavior.
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA)
A 12-step fellowship addressing addiction to sex, love, fantasy, and unhealthy relationship patterns.
Sex and Porn Addicts Anonymous (SPAA)
A 12-step fellowship for people recovering from sex and pornography addiction.
Sexaholics Anonymous (SA)
A 12-step fellowship for people recovering from lust and compulsive sexual behavior.
Sexual Compulsives Anonymous (SCA)
A 12-step fellowship for people recovering from sexual compulsion and its consequences.
- Celebrate Recovery
A Christ-centered 12-step program for people working through addictions and other hurts, habits, and hang-ups.
SMART Recovery
A secular, science-based recovery program using cognitive-behavioral tools for any addictive behavior.
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