Sex addiction treatment methods may include:
- Individual and group therapies
- Cognitive behavioral therapy to identify triggers and help the person to avoid and cope with situations where they may be likely to become involved in sexual behaviors or use substances.
- Motivational interviewing therapy to capitalize on the person’s willingness to change their behaviors.
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.
How do I choose the right sex addiction treatment center for me?
In deciding which type of treatment to pursue for yourself or someone close to you, it will be necessary to determine whether an inpatient or outpatient facility is most suitable. Residential or inpatient sex addiction treatment centers differ from outpatient facilities in that you’ll live in the facility while you’re receiving treatment.
How do medications treat sexual cravings?
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) may help decrease sexual cravings. Opiate antagonists (naltrexone) help block the euphoria associated with sexual acts. Mood stabilizers can help reduce sexual cravings in individuals with comorbid bipolar disorder.
How are sex addiction treatment facilities different from other programs?
These treatment facilities differ from other sex addiction programs in that they’re designed specifically to meet the needs of executives who are concerned about taking time away from their businesses while undergoing treatment.
What does Dr. Goodnight argue about sexual addiction?
Goodnight argues that people seeking sex addiction treatment should consider their own values, and choose treatment options that conform to those values--rather than to broader societal expectations. Stigmatizing treatment can be harmful, and so can treatment that treats a person's own sexual ethics as trivial.
How does sexuality affect your life?
Your sexual actions undermine your relationships or your health. You can't stop having sex that is inconsistent with your values. You are unable to assert clear sexual boundaries. You are harming others, such as by forcing them into non-consensual sex. Your sexual choices affect other aspects of your life.
What is evidence based therapy?
evidence-based therapy that helps you understand your sexual behavior and change it. lifestyle changes that reduce temptation, such as blocking certain websites. treatment for underlying conditions such as PTSD and depression. medication to manage mental health diagnoses such as depression.
Does sex addiction affect the brain?
However, many researchers argue that the effects of sex addiction on the brain are similar to those of other addictions. This means that what matters most are not the specific behaviors a person engages in, but how those behaviors affect their life.
Is sex addiction a diagnosis?
Sex addiction is a controversial diagnosis, but for those who struggle with compulsive sexual behavior the consequences can be devastating. Sex addiction is a controversial diagnosis. Many experts, including the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors & Therapists, assert that the notion of sex addiction may needlessly pathologize ...
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 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.
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.
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 happens to the brain after sexual release?
This can deepen feelings of guilt and shame and cause severe depression. When pleasure centers in the brain are stimulated, chemicals called endorphins are released into the blood stream. Endorphins are believed to be what causes the mood changes that occur after sexual release.
What is a 12-step recovery program?
Recovery programs such as Sex Addicts Anonymous, Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous, Sexaholics Anonymous, and Sexual Compulsives Anonymous are all nationwide organizations for individuals recovering from problems with compulsive sexual behavior. They are 12-step recovery programs patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous. One or more of the recovery programs named above is probably listed in your local telephone directory.
Can addictions be fulfilling?
It is very seldom fulfilling for them. As with any addiction, they feel compelled to have sex and even put themselves in a position where they might get pregnant with an unwanted pregnancy or get venereal diseases that they might pass on to their spouses or partners.
Is concealing sex addiction a betrayal?
Concealing sex addiction is not “protecting” your partner in any way and every misdirection is a betrayal of your relationship . Lying is a choice that you make. Every lie. Every time. You must decide to be honest about your addiction from this point forward.
What is the definition of sex addiction?
By way of a definition, “sex addiction” is described as a compulsive need to perform sexual acts in order to achieve the kind of “fix” that a person with alcohol use disorder gets from a drink or someone with opiate use disorder gets from using opiates.
What type of therapy is used to help a person identify triggers for sexual impulses?
Cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of therapy can help a person identify triggers for sexual impulses and ultimately teach them how to alter behaviors. This is achieved through one-on-one sessions with a licensed mental health therapist.
How do you know if you have a sex addiction?
A person may have a sex addiction if they show some or all of the following signs: chronic, obsessive sexual thoughts and fantasies. compulsive relations with multiple partners, including strangers. lying to cover behaviors.
How long does it take to get over a sex addiction?
Often, people with a sex addiction are removed from their normal daily lives for at least 30 days to help them regain control of their impulses and start healing. These types of programs typically include in-depth individual and group therapy sessions.
What is the preoccupation with having sex?
preoccupation with having sex, even when it interferes with daily life, productivity, work performance, and so on. inability to stop or control the behaviors. putting oneself or others in danger due to sexual behavior. feeling remorse or guilt after sex. experiencing other negative personal or professional consequences.
Can antidepressants help with urges?
Certain antidepressants might help alleviate urges (which is separate from the potential side effects of some antidepressants that can cause decreased libido or impair other aspects of the sexual experience). It’s not clear, however, whether a physician would prescribe drugs for this condition.
Is sex addiction a mental disorder?
What is sex addiction? Considerable controversy surrounds the diagnosis of “sex addiction.”. It’s been excluded from the fifth edition of the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” ( DSM-5 ), but it’s still written about and studied in psychology and counseling circles. Additionally, it can still be diagnosed.
What is the therapeutic method for sexual addiction?
Other Therapeutic Methods. Other therapeutic methods can also be used in the treatment of sexual addiction, including counseling. The goal of counseling is typically to explore as well as correct the underlying causes that might have led to the development of sex addiction.
What are the signs of sexual addiction?
The Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health states possible signs that could indicate sexual addiction include: Multiple sexual partners. Cybersex. Unsafe sex. Frequent one-night stands. The use of prostitutes. Feelings of shame and guilt. Unable to resist impulses to engage in extreme sexual acts.
What is the goal of therapy?
The goal of therapy must then be to control the compulsion the patient experiences so the attempt to engage in sex doesn’t consume the person’s entire life. Many different types of therapies can be utilized to help patients exercise control of sexual urges.
How does cognitive behavioral therapy work?
Cognitive behavioral therapy treatment typically works by helping the patient shift the focus of their thoughts and behavior. In addition, the patient might also be provided with a variety of techniques and tools that can be used to reduce the impulse to have sex.
Can a sexual addiction cause depression?
This can ultimately lead to depression. Individuals who suffer from sexual addiction can also develop relationship and family problems. The potential also exists to become infected with sexually transmitted diseases or experience an unplanned pregnancy. Therapy is available, and it’s never too late to ask for help.
Can you take time away from a rehab program for sexual addiction?
Although residential addiction treatment programs can provide you with the structure you need while undergoing treatment, if it isn’t possible to take time away from your day-to-day life to attend treatment, outpatient sexual addiction rehab and treatment programs are also available.
Can you be shamed for sex addiction?
You should feel no shame in admitting you suffer from sex addiction. Help is now far more readily available than it has been in the past. Sex addiction treatment programs can help you to take back control of your life and learn how to develop healthy sexual relationships that are free from compulsive behavior.
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.
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 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.
What is the meaning of "spending time in activates related to or that could lead to sex"?
Spending time in activates related to or that could lead to sex. Neglecting other obligations in the pursuit of sex. Continuing to engage in sexual behavior despite detriments to relationships. Needing to escalate sexual activity to achieve the same, desired effect.
Is sex addiction a non substance?
While some deny the validity of any non-substance addiction, others are trying to open the scope of what an addiction is and how people are susceptible to them. Of all the common behavioral addictions, sex addiction is possibly the most controversial. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders ...
