Is it same as obsession?
Sexual preoccupation takes up tremendous amounts of energy. As this increases for the sex addict, a pattern of behavior (or rituals) follows, which usually leads to acting out.
Preoccupation or mental obsession (participating in the behavior to the detriment of other essential life activities or goals).
Growing preoccupation refers to a process of spending more and more time thinking about or planning a specific behavior.
See also: