The Control Center - Sex Addiction Assessment: The Hypersexual Behavioral Index

The Control Center: Beverly Hills Center for Self Control & Lifestyle Addictions

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Sex Addiction Assessment:
The Hypersexual Behavioral Index (HBI)
A Sex Addiction Self-test.

Below are a number of statements that describe various thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. As you answer each question, choose the answer to the right that best describes you. Please be sure to answer every question.

For the purpose of this questionnaire, sex is defined as any activity or behavior that stimulates or arouses a person with the intent to produce an orgasm or sexual pleasure. Sexual behaviors may or may not involve a partner. (e.g. self-masturbation or solo-sex, using pornography, intercourse with a partner, oral sex, anal sex, etc...)

Sex addiction is not how often you have sex… it’s about why you have sex.

1.	I use sex to forget about the worries of daily life.
2.	Even though I promised myself I would not repeat a sexual behavior, I find myself returning to it over and over again.
3.	Doing something sexual helps me feel less lonely.
4.	I engage in sexual activities that I know I will later regret.
5.	I sacrifice things I really want in life in order to be sexual.
6.	I turn to sexual activities when I experience unpleasant feelings (e.g. frustration, sadness, anger).
7.	My attempts to change my sexual behavior fail.
8.	When I feel restless, I turn to sex in order to soothe myself.
9.	My sexual thoughts and fantasies distract me from accomplishing important tasks.
10.	I do things sexually that are against my values and beliefs.
11.	Even though my sexual behavior is irresponsible or reckless I find it difficult to stop.
12.	I feel like my sexual behavior is taking me in a direction I don’t want to go.
13.	Doing something sexual helps me cope with stress.
14.	My sexual behavior controls my life.
15.	My sexual cravings and desires feel stronger than my self-discipline.
16.	Sex provides a way for me to deal with emotional pain I feel.
17.	Sexually, I behave in ways I think are wrong.
18.	I use sex as a way to try and help myself deal with my problems.
19.	My sexual activities interfere with aspects of my life such as work or school.

Developed by Rory Reid

Your Answer Score:

If your scored 68 or above, your score is well above the cut-off score of 53 on this scale and falls in a clinical range where people are generally classified as sexually compulsive. People with high scores such as yours frequently report multiple unsuccessful attempts to regulate their sexual thoughts, urges, and behaviors. They also frequently report that their sexual choices cause significant distress and various undesirable consequences in their personal lives. People with your scores similar to yours are generally advised to strongly consider counseling from a qualified mental health professional in order to address the issues that can arise from sexual compulsivity.

If your scored between 53 and 67, your score is above the cut-off score of 53 on this scale. Scores such as yours fall within a range that is common among individuals who seek counseling for issues related to their sexual thoughts, urges, or behavior. People with these scores often use sex to cope with various challenges in their life or they encounter undesirable consequences in relation to their sexuality. You should consider having an evaluation from a qualified mental health professional if you desire to further discuss these issues.

If your scored 52 and below, your score is below the cut-off score of 53 on this scale. Scores such as yours fall within a range that is common among a general population and therefore it is unlikely that your sexual thoughts, feelings, and urges create significant distress or consequences in your life. Although most people with scores such as yours do not seek counseling for sexual addiction / compulsivity, if you feel your sexual cravings or behavior is creating problems in your life, you might consider having an evaluation from a qualified mental health professional.

The clinical staff of The Control Centeris available by phone at 310.271.8700 or email:

In addition to The Control Center, there are many resources to help those suffering from destructive sexual behavior.

For helpful websites, national 12-Step groups and therapy referrals outside Los Angeles, see: http://thecontrolcenter.org/links.html