Getting Help for Sex Addiction
Learn how you can get help for sex addiction through White Sands Treatment Center
If you are struggling with obsessive thoughts and behaviors about sex, then getting help for sex addiction is the next logical step you should take. When sexual activity begins to interfere with your normal daily life and you are ignoring the consequences that it creates you will have to face the fact that you may be addicted to sex. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy claims that there are currently about 12 million sex addicts in the U.S. The good news is that sex addiction, just like any other addiction, can be treated with sex addiction therapy and rehab.
Some of the common terms for sex addiction are hyper-sexuality, nymphomania and hyper-sexual disorder. Sex addiction can be the behavioral expression of the addict’s attempt to relieve stress, anxiety, loneliness, pain and other factors. If hyper-sexual thoughts and behaviors last for more than six months it may be diagnosed as sex addiction. The sex addict’s compulsive thoughts, feelings and behavior about sex will begin to create problems with work, relationships, health and other areas of life. Sexual thoughts and behaviors can be considered normal and healthy, or the addict may fantasize about sexual activity that is considered to be abnormal, immoral or illegal.
Sex addiction should be diagnosed by a sex addiction specialist because other factors must first be ruled out, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bi-polar disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, which can produce the same symptoms. Mental disorders may also co-occur with sex addiction too, so anyone seeking help for sex addiction should choose a sex addiction professional. There are different sex addiction symptoms that may help to identify someone as a sex addict, such as:
- A compulsion to engage in abnormal sexual activity
- Having intense sexual desires
- Using sexual behavior as a form of escape
- Having difficulty forming emotional connections
- Disregarding the negative consequences that the sexual activity produces
As with any addiction, sex addiction can manifest itself in a variety of forms and levels. The destructive behavior of the sex addict just adds to the other problems that he may already be struggling with. Very often the sex addict is not aware of his problem because he does not view his sexual behavior as a problem. You may try talking with the addict about his problem so that he may seek sex addiction treatment or you may decide to hold an intervention to convince him to get help. Sex addiction has no discrimination but affects the young and old in every social class. Many teenagers get involved with sex addiction through pornography and about 80% of teens in the U.S. access pornography through the internet on a daily basis. Some of the devastating consequences of sex addiction among the young and old are:
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Relationship problems
- Anxiety
- Isolation
- Depression
The best form of sex addiction treatment is sex addiction therapy and rehab. One form of therapy is psychosocial group therapy treatment. Sex addicts attend group meetings to get support and also to fellowship with their peers who struggle with similar problems. The sex addict can take part in a rehab treatment program on an in or out-patient basis. The sex addiction treatment program will help the sex addict identify his behavioral triggers and manage them in an effective way that helps to break his sex addiction habits. Sex addiction therapy and rehab also includes cognitive behavioral therapy. This psychological approach helps the addict identify inner conflicts and destructive thought and behavior patterns. The sex addict begins to learn how to change dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors into healthy alternatives.
Sex addiction therapy and rehab should focus on the core problem of sex addiction. The sex addict should also receive aftercare treatment to offer him support so that he dose not relapse. If you are having difficulty managing your extreme sexual behavior, you can receive help for sex addiction and learn how to have a normal, healthy and balanced sex life.
Resources:
http://www.psychguides.com/guides/how-to-find-help-treating-a-sex-addict/
Frequently Asked Questions
We have the answers you're looking for
Sex addiction -- also called compulsive sexual behavior disorder or hypersexual disorder -- is a pattern of persistent and escalating sexual behaviors that a person cannot control despite negative consequences to health, relationships, or functioning. Like other behavioral addictions, it activates the brain's dopamine reward system in ways that create compulsive, difficult-to-stop patterns.
Signs include preoccupation with sexual thoughts or activities that is difficult to interrupt, escalating frequency or intensity of sexual behaviors, unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop, continuing despite serious negative consequences such as relationship damage or legal risk, using sex to manage emotional distress, and persistent feelings of shame and powerlessness around the behavior.
Compulsive sexual behavior disorder is included in the ICD-11 as a recognized clinical condition. It is not currently a separate DSM-5 diagnosis, though clinicians widely identify and treat the pattern. WhiteSands' clinical team evaluates behavioral addictions including compulsive sexual behavior as part of comprehensive dual diagnosis assessment.
Sex addiction and substance use disorders frequently co-occur because both activate overlapping dopamine reward pathways. People with one behavioral addiction are at elevated risk for others. In some cases stimulant use -- cocaine or methamphetamine -- directly drives compulsive sexual behavior by amplifying dopamine signaling. Treating both simultaneously is clinically important when they co-occur.
Treatment typically includes individual therapy using CBT and relapse prevention frameworks, group therapy, and 12-step programs specific to sexual compulsivity such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) or SLAA. When co-occurring psychiatric conditions or substance use are present, integrated dual diagnosis care produces the best outcomes.
Most sex addiction treatment is delivered at the outpatient level. Residential treatment is considered when compulsive sexual behavior is severe and intertwined with a substance use disorder requiring medical management, or when prior outpatient treatment has not been sufficient. WhiteSands evaluates co-occurring conditions and determines the appropriate level of care.
Shame is central to the sex addiction experience and one of the most significant barriers to treatment-seeking and recovery. Cycles of compulsive behavior, guilt, shame, and resolution attempts are characteristic. Treatment that directly addresses shame rather than amplifying it produces better outcomes. WhiteSands uses a non-judgmental, recovery-focused clinical approach.
Most insurance plans, including PPOs and many HMOs, cover addiction treatment at WhiteSands. Coverage varies by plan, so calling our team directly at 877-855-3470 is the fastest way to verify your benefits and understand your out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
Speaking with a therapist experienced in behavioral addictions is the most important first step. WhiteSands' clinical team can assess co-occurring conditions including substance use and help coordinate appropriate care. Call 877-855-3470 for a confidential initial conversation.
S-Anon is a 12-step program specifically for the partners and family members of people with compulsive sexual behavior. COSA (Co-Dependents of Sex Addicts) is another peer support option. Individual therapy with a clinician familiar with this specific dynamic is also valuable for family members navigating the impact.
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Mark is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.
