SAST-R: Free Sexual Addiction Screening Test Online (45 Questions)

When sexual thoughts, urges, or behaviors start to feel out of control — taking time from work, damaging relationships, or leaving you ashamed afterward — it can be hard to know whether the problem is stress, a life phase, or something that needs professional attention. The Sexual Addiction Screening Test — Revised (SAST-R) is one of the longest-used clinical screeners for compulsive or problematic sexual behavior. On LuriaLab you can take the free SAST-R online, answer 45 yes/no questions privately, and receive a personalized results summary to help you decide on next steps.

What Is the SAST-R?

The Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) was originally developed by Dr. Patrick Carnes and colleagues to help clinicians distinguish patterns of sexually compulsive behavior from typical sexual activity. The revised version (SAST-R, v2.0), updated by Carnes, Green, and Carnes (2010), reflects modern concerns — including internet pornography, online relationships, and how gender and orientation shape sexual behavior.

It is used in hospitals, addiction treatment programs, private therapy, and research worldwide. The test does not label you; it builds a profile of responses that professionals use to decide whether a fuller assessment for out-of-control sexual behavior (sometimes called compulsive sexual behavior disorder or hypersexual disorder) is warranted.

What Does the SAST-R Measure?

The SAST-R includes 45 yes/no questions covering areas such as:

• Preoccupation: How much time you spend thinking about sex or romance
• Loss of control: Failed attempts to stop or limit certain sexual behaviors
• Consequences: Problems at work, in relationships, or with family linked to sexual activity
• Emotional impact: Guilt, shame, depression after sex, or feeling "controlled" by desire
• Family and trauma history: Early sexual abuse or parental sexual difficulties (risk factors clinicians consider in context)
• Online and commercial sex: Excessive pornography use, chat rooms, escorts, strip clubs, and related spending
• Risky or illegal behavior: Unsafe sex, public cruising, or activities that could lead to legal harm

Answering "yes" to more items — especially across several domains — suggests a higher likelihood of sexually compulsive patterns. A few "yes" answers do not mean you have an addiction; context, duration, and distress all matter.

Who Should Take This Screening?

Adults (18+) may benefit from the SAST-R if they:

• Feel that sex, pornography, or romantic pursuit has become the center of daily life
• Have tried to cut back but could not sustain change
• Notice secrecy, lying, or hiding sexual behavior from a partner
• Experience relationship conflict, job neglect, or financial strain linked to sexual activity
• Feel distressed after sex or trapped in a shame–relapse cycle

You do not need a referral to take the test. Many people use it as a private first step before speaking with a therapist, certified sex addiction therapist (CSAT), or urologist/psychiatrist who specializes in sexual health.

Is "Sex Addiction" a Real Diagnosis?

The term sex addiction is widely used in treatment settings, but formal diagnostic manuals describe related problems differently. The World Health Organization includes compulsive sexual behavior disorder in ICD-11; researchers also study hypersexual disorder and out-of-control sexual behavior (OCSB). Whatever the label, the core issue is the same: sexual behavior that feels repetitive, difficult to control, and harmful to well-being or relationships.

The SAST-R is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified mental health or medical professional can determine what your pattern means and whether treatment — therapy, support groups, couples counseling, or medication — is appropriate.

How the Online SAST-R Works on LuriaLab

LuriaLab presents the standard SAST-R items in a clear, mobile-friendly format. You answer each question with Yes or No; the full questionnaire typically takes 10–15 minutes. Your responses are processed confidentially, and you receive a written results summary highlighting areas of concern based on your profile.

Because sexual behavior is sensitive, LuriaLab lets you complete the test anonymously without creating an account. You can download your report to share with a clinician if you choose.

What to Do After Your Results

1. Read your summary calmly — a high score is a signal to seek support, not a life sentence.
2. Consider professional help — therapists trained in compulsive sexual behavior, CSAT-certified counselors, or sex therapists can offer evidence-based treatment (often CBT-based).
3. Talk to a partner if it is safe — secrecy often fuels shame; a skilled couples therapist can help with disclosure and rebuilding trust.
4. Address co-occurring issues — depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use frequently overlap; screeners like PHQ-9, GAD-7, or DAST-10 on LuriaLab can clarify the broader picture.
5. Build structure, not just willpower — filters, accountability partners, support groups, and scheduled therapy often work better than trying to quit alone.

Can You Trust an Online SAST-R Test?

Yes, when it uses the published SAST-R items faithfully. The scale has decades of clinical use and peer-reviewed validation research, including the 2010 revision addressing orientation and gender. Online self-report works best when you answer honestly, without minimizing or exaggerating. Remember that screening captures a moment in time — symptoms can change with stress, relationships, and treatment.

Take the Free SAST-R on LuriaLab

If you are wondering whether your sexual behavior has crossed into compulsive territory, the SAST-R (Sexual Addiction Screening Test) on LuriaLab is a confidential place to start — free, private, and designed to help you understand your pattern before you speak with a professional.

Important: This screening is for educational purposes only and is not a medical or psychiatric diagnosis. If you are in crisis, feel unable to stay safe, or need immediate support, contact emergency services or a crisis line such as 988 in the United States. If your behavior involves minors or non-consensual acts, seek legal and professional help immediately.