I'll name some behaviors associated with sexual addiction. Just for fun, I'll list the type of people who would probably partake in the act:
1. Compulsive masturbation - most men
2. Multiple affairs (extra-marital affairs) - most politicians
3. Multiple or anonymous sexual partners and/or one-night stands - most NBA players
4. Consistent use of pornography - most college students
5. Unsafe sex - see #3
6. Phone or computer sex (cybersex) - most nerds
7. Prostitution or use of prostitutes - see #2
8. Exhibitionism - strippers
9. Obsessive dating through personal ads - again, see #2
10. Voyeurism (watching others) and/or stalking - ugly guys
I think that even if you were to combine multiple "symptoms" listed above that it doesn't necessarily make a person a sex fiend. If so, then I know a lot of people who need rehab!
Can you really be addicted to sex? I guess like everything in life, too much of anything is bad for you. So, I do think that it's more likely for a person to be horny to the point of unhealthy. However, I don't think any of the above (at face value) define what a sex addict is in my opinion.
When I think of an addict, I think of someone who is willing to regularly put their life (or someone else's) at risk in order to get the high that they're seeking. I think of a crack head stealing from their own family. I think of an alcoholic continuing to drink despite having a bad liver. I think of an overweight person scarfing down a triple cheeseburger despite having high cholesterol.
I don't think of a person watching porn or making a booty call as a sex addict. I don't think a person reaches the level of a sex addict until things like molestation or rape comes into play. When you get to the point that you're willing to take it when you can't get it, then you're an addict. Or engaging in unhealthy activities can probably qualify you, too.
Tiger Woods was once a member of a sex rehab located about 90 miles from my hometown. He threw his marriage away over a few romps in the sack with some cafe waitresses. Does that make him an addict or just an idiot?
Pee Wee Herman once got busted for playing "pocket poker" in a theater. Addict or freak?
(Insert man here) gets a woman pregnant because he didn't practice safe sex. Addict or irresponsible?
So, I do believe there is a such thing as a sex addiction, but I think the symptoms have to be a lot more severe than what's listed. If you're spending your very last dime on a monthly subscription to SweatyBiceps.com, then maybe you do have a problem. If you're buying sheep, but you're not a farmer, then maybe you qualify as a sex addict. If you think Ann Coutler is sexy, then maybe you have issues (or a praying mantis fetish).