Development of a sexual addiction is rarely linked to only one factor; and, research shows that children who are offered sexual education and are provided with a safe and supportive environment in which they can ask questions about sex are more likely to develop healthy sexual identities regardless of their level of early exposure to sexual content.
Full Answer
What is sexual addiction and how is it treated?
Sexual addiction is the most commonly used lay term. You may hear healthcare professionals call this compulsive sexual behavior, problematic sexual behavior, hypersexuality, hypersexuality disorder, sexual compulsivity or sexual impulsivity.
Do sex addicts need to go to rehab?
Should sex addicts also have a co-occurring addiction to a substance such as alcohol or drugs, detoxification will need to take place. For those who come to treatment solely for sexual addiction, the sudden cessation of sexual activities may cause uncomfortable urges and cravings.
Are sexual addicts compulsive addicts?
Sexual addicts have been diagnosed as having Bi-Polar, Obsessive Compulsive, Generalized Anxiety or Dissociative Identity Disorders, all of which can be seen to hold some characteristics of compulsive sexual behavior by definition, but do not appear to be the underlying condition for most sexual addicts.
Is sex addiction a real diagnosis?
Thus, therapy for sex addiction will often treat all of a person’s diagnoses, not just the sexual compulsion. The scientific community has long debated whether sex addiction is a “real” diagnosis.
Understanding Sex Addiction
Also known as sexual compulsion or sexual dependency, the condition of being addicted to sex is considered by some to be a form of obsessive-compul...
Common Behaviors/Symptoms of Sex Addiction
There is no single behavior pattern for sex addiction. However, a sex addiction might include some of the behaviors listed below, though certainly...
Therapy For Sex Addiction
Therapy for sex addiction differs from the treatment of other addictions in that complete sobriety is not the goal, as it often is with, for exampl...
Sex Addiction in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)
Sex addiction is not recognized as a diagnosable mental health condition by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manua...
What is sex addiction?
Sex addiction is any compulsive, sexually motivated behavior that is acted out despite the negative consequences. It is also known as sexual compulsion or sexual dependency. Estimates suggest between 12 to 30 million Americans experience some kind of sexual compulsion. Sex addiction can interfere with one’s social life, physical health, ...
What are the neurochemicals that affect sex addiction?
Chemicals released during sex, such as dopamine and oxytocin, may create a "high" similar to that obtained from the use of drugs or alcohol.
How does sex affect your life?
Sex addiction can interfere with one’s social life, physical health, and emotional well-being. It generally does not improve until the person receives treatment. A compassionate therapist can help individuals develop a healthier relationship with sex and intimacy.
Is sex addiction a gender issue?
Sex Addiction and Gender. Sex addiction is often considered a men’s issue, but the condition can affect anyone. In a study of university students, around 3% of men had sexual compulsions, compared to 1.2% of women. A study of internet sexual addiction found a similar ratio: 5% of men and 2% of women. Around 88% of people who seek sex addiction ...
What is a sexual addict?
Sexual addicts have been diagnosed as having Bi-Polar, Obsessive Compulsive, Generalized Anxiety or Dissociative Identity Disorders, all of which can be seen to hold some characteristics of compulsive sexual behavior by definition, but do not appear to be the underlying condition for most sexual addicts.
What is sexually addictive disorder?
The disorder is defined by the harmful consequences of the sexual behaviors themselves and the participants’ inability to discontinue them. A helpful way to integrate a clinical understanding of sexually addictive behavior is to utilize a common definition of Criteria for an Addictive Disorder:
What defenses do sexual addicts use?
Like alcoholics, drug addicts, and compulsive gamblers, sexual addicts employ typical defenses such as denial, rationalization, and justification in order to be able to continue to engage in their behaviors, while blaming others for the resulting problems. Diagnosis and subsequent treatment can be skewed by a patient’s minimization ...
What is the primary complaint of many sexual addicts in treatment?
Yet a primary complaint of many sexual addicts in treatment is that previous clinical interventions either didn’t identify their problem at all or didn’t provide clear intervention, direction, and resources to aid them in addressing their sexual acting-out behaviors.
What are the consequences of being a sexual addict?
These consequences might include: • Social. Loss of marriage/primary relationship, friendships, social networks due to sexual preoccupation and behavior. • Emotional. Depression or anxiety are common due to the shame, secrecy and lowered self-esteem of sexual addicts. • Physical.
How old is Billy the Homosexual?
Billy, a 48-year-old homosexual man, engaged in anonymous sex in public parks, mall restrooms, and sexual bathhouses, having many multiple partner experiences weekly. Although HIV positive, he often had unprotected sexual encounters with several anonymous men on a weekly basis.
Do you need a medical exam for a sexual addict?
Additionally, a thorough and current medical exam should be encouraged at the beginning of treatment as sexual addicts can often be inattentive to self care and also may need testing to discern the potential existence of any sexually transmitted diseases.
What is sex addiction?
Sex addiction is a process or behavioral addiction in which a person engages in a pattern of compulsive sexual behavior that causes them significant distress, functional impairment or problems with daily living. Its exact classification is controversial. Some studies support its similarity to substance addiction, ...
What is the number to talk to someone about sex addiction?
National hotlines people can call to talk about sex addiction include the following: Sexaholics Anonymous: 1-866-424-8777. Sex Addicts Anonymous: 1-800-477-8191. SAMHSA Addiction Hotline: 1-800-662-4357.
What is a sex addiction support group?
Attending a sex addiction support group can be an excellent option for people who are not yet ready to see a counselor or who want additional support beyond the counseling relationship. Sex addiction support groups include: Sexaholics Anonymous. Sex Addicts Anonymous. Sexual Recovery Anonymous.
Why are antiandrogens used in sex?
In extreme situations in which a sex addiction drives behavior that endangers others, such as sexual acts that harm or endanger children, or any kind of sexual assault, antiandrogens can be used to reduce sexual hormones and diminish libido.
What is psychodynamic therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy is a traditional style of therapy derived from the work of early psychoanalytic thinkers like Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. It is rooted in the concept of drives and hidden motivations for behavior.
Why do people with sex addictions feel shame?
Some people with sex addictions suffer intense shame, anxiety and self-loathing because of the discrepancy between their behavior and their faith. For some, guilt over acts of dishonesty and infidelity are most painful, while for others, the nature of their sexual interests alone causes significant inner conflict.
What is the freedom phase of recovery?
Freedom Phase: starts two-and-a-half or more years into recovery. The idea of both models is that the first phase of recovery is the hardest and when people have the highest relapse rate. Being involved in a treatment program and attending sex addiction recovery groups can help people get through this more difficult phase ...
What is the first requirement for sexually addictive behavior?
If you’ve arrived at the conclusion that your sexually addictive behavior is out of control, and you don’t seem able to stop it despite negative consequences, but you do want to tackle the addiction and learn a new lifestyle, you already know about the first requirement: motivation .
Is it painful to withdraw from a drug?
It isn’t a matter of life-threatening drug withdrawal. That’s not to say that it may not be painful. Think of urges as a temporary situation. If you wait long enough, they’ll fade away. Urges of all kinds, according to addiction experts, peak in how frequently they occur, how intense they are, and how long they last.
Is it painful to die from sexual addiction?
They may be uncomfortable, but they are not generally unbearable. You won’t die if you don’t engage in the sexually addictive behavior. It isn’t a matter of life-threatening drug withdrawal. That’s not to say that it may not be painful.
How to help someone with sexual addiction?
For those who come to treatment solely for sexual addiction, the sudden cessation of sexual activities may cause uncomfortable urges and cravings. Keeping the mind occupied by engaging in exercise and relaxation therapy can help.
What is the best treatment for sexual addiction?
However, the most commonly approved solutions are types of therapy, specifically Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Motivational Enhancement Therapy . Integrated 12-step programs and outpatient support groups help prevent relapse in successfully treated clients.
What is the main source of sexual addiction treatment?
Inpatient and outpatient counseling, which involves individual and group support, is the main source of sexual addiction treatment. Gender-specific programs enable individuals to feel comfortable during self-disclosure, and rehab facilities stress confidentiality and anonymity.
What is inpatient treatment?
Within either an inpatient or outpatient setting, treatments such as behavioral therapies and medication-assisted treatments are offered for varying lengths of time. Inpatient treatment involves living full-time (including overnight) at a treatment facility for a set period of time.
How does sexual addiction manifest itself?
Sexual addiction can manifest itself in many ways, from frequent hook-ups with anonymous partners to hours spent viewing pornography on the internet. As the addict’s daily life becomes consumed by their sexual activities, relationships start to suffer.
What are the consequences of sexual addiction?
When compulsive behaviors negatively affect a person’s life, it’s time to search for treatment. Some sexual habits can cause guilt, shame, anxiety, and even have legal consequences . Victims of sexual addiction are often vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV — the AIDS virus.
What is behavioral therapy?
Behavioral-Assisted Therapies. Behavioral therapies are the mainstream approach to handling sexual addiction. The goal of any therapy session is to identify triggers that fuel the sexual urges, come up with healthier choices to deal with those triggers, and develop coping skills when urges become too much to handle.
Sometimes the cure is worse than the diagnosis
So, you have been through so-called treatment of “ sex addiction ” and now you realize not only didn’t it work, but it left you feeling worse about your sexual self and your relationship.
THE BASICS
Both partners need to become educated and informed about sexual health. They need to discover and acknowledge what sexual health is for themselves, for their partner, and for the relationship. Many books about sexual health that can help; I encourage clients to seek them out.