Sex Addiction Treatment

People dealing with sex addiction encounter specific difficulties beyond emotional pain and dysfunction, particularly societal stigma. These negative views about the condition often hinder them from seeking the help they need.

Sex addiction goes beyond just seeking sexual pleasure; it is a mental health issue that impacts all areas of a person’s life. Because of its complexity, treatment must be customised to fit each person’s unique situation. At PROMIS, we understand the distinct challenges faced by those with sex addiction. Our all-encompassing treatment program focuses on alleviating symptoms, preventing relapses, and enhancing overall well-being.

We approach treatment with professionalism, empathy, and a holistic perspective, creating a safe environment for you to start your recovery journey.

Understanding Sex Addiction

Sex addiction is a topic that has gained attention and sparked discussions among professionals worldwide in recent years. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently defined sexual addiction as Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder (CSBD) in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD). On the other hand, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) suggested the term Hypersexual Disorder as a replacement for sexual addiction in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM).

Despite the different terms, most experts agree on what sex addiction involves. It is generally characterised by a persistent and compulsive pattern of sexual thoughts, fantasies, urges, and behaviours that lead to significant distress and negative impact on important areas of life. People with this condition often excessively engage in sexual activities such as viewing explicit content, masturbation, and other risky sexual behaviours despite growing negative consequences.

Signs And Symptoms Of Sex Addiction

Recognising the signs and symptoms of sex addiction is crucial in creating a personalised treatment. If you encounter any of the following, you should seek professional help:

A pattern of uncontrollable sexual conduct, including compulsive masturbation, excessive consumption of pornography, and engagement in risky sexual activities.
Facing significant repercussions from sexual actions, such as the loss of a partner, marital difficulties, exposure to sexually transmitted infections, and an inability to stop these behaviours despite their negative impacts.
A persistent desire or attempt to stop sexual activities, yet failing to achieve success.
An obsession with sexual thoughts and fantasies serves as a primary means of coping.

Intense mood fluctuations associated with sexual engagement.
Excessive amounts of time are dedicated to seeking sexual encounters, participating in sexual activities, and recovering from those experiences.
Neglecting significant social, professional, or leisure activities due to sexual behaviour.
A continual escalation in the frequency of sexual encounters, as the current level of sexual activity fails to provide adequate satisfaction.

Sex Addiction Vs. Other Addictions

Sexual addiction can be understood by looking at it like other addictions. People who are addicted to alcohol or drugs form a strong bond with their substances, which becomes more important than anything else in their lives.

In sexual addiction, a similar situation occurs. Sex, like food or drugs, gives a “high,” and those addicted to it rely on this feeling to feel normal. They replace healthy relationships with unhealthy ones, choosing short-term pleasure over the deeper connections found in normal intimate relationships.

Sex addiction progresses in a way similar to other addictions. Those struggling with sexual addiction find it hard to control their actions. Their self-esteem decreases, which drives them to escape further into their addictive behaviours.

Causes Of Sex Addiction

The development of addiction cannot be attributed to a single cause. It is influenced by a combination of various factors that may increase your susceptibility to the condition.

Biological

Research indicates that some brain and biological factors can increase the risk of sex addiction. People who have dysfunctions in specific brain areas may find it harder to control sexual behaviours. In addition, those with a family background of sex addiction or other compulsive behaviours are also at a higher risk of developing sex addiction.

Psychological

Psychological factors that can lead to sex addiction include having a mental health condition. Those with depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), personality disorders, or other addictions are more at risk.

Trauma Or Abuse

People who have gone through trauma or abuse, particularly sexual abuse, may turn to sex addiction to deal with or avoid the distress from their experiences. Studies indicate that those who suffer from sexual abuse can hinder the growth of healthy sexual behaviours, potentially resulting in sex addiction.

Other Negative Effects Of Sex Addiction

Sex addiction can have a wide range of negative consequences on our physical and mental health, affecting various aspects of an individual’s life. Here are some potential consequences:

Physical Health: Engaging in repeated and various sexual activities increases the risk of sexually transmitted infection (STI), acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and unwanted pregnancy.

Mental Health: People who have sex addiction are more prone to developing co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings.

Relationship Issues: Compulsive sexual behaviour of people with sex addiction can result in infidelity, impacting not only the relationship with the partner but also the dynamics with other family members.

Legal Consequences: Certain individuals with unregulated sexual urges and problematic sexual behaviours may also partake in exhibitionistic and voyeuristic activities, potentially resulting in legal issues and criminal charges.

MEET THE TEAM

Sex Addiction Treatment Options

Treatment options for sex addiction consist of medication, therapy, inpatient care, outpatient services, and self-help groups. These programmes also provide family counselling and educational workshops to help both those with sex addiction and their families understand the beliefs and family dynamics involved in the addiction.

Unlike those who have drug addictions and need to practise an abstinence-based lifestyle, people with sex addiction can gradually return to normal and healthy sex lives.

Medication

Sex addiction can lead to feelings of depression; hence, antidepressants might help. Mood stabilisers can also be used to lower strong sexual urges. For men who show sexual behaviours that could harm others, anti-androgens may be given to reduce the impact of testosterone, which can help lessen these urges.

Residential Treatment

Our residential or inpatient treatment provides you with 24-hour care under the close watch of our team of experts. During your stay in our facility, you will be closely monitored, and you will benefit from a supportive environment, more intensive and long-term care, and a broader range of interventions to treat sex addiction.

Outpatient Treatment

Our outpatient service is ideal if you need a little more flexibility. If you cannot commit to a full-time stay with us, PROMIS provides treatment with more freedom while remaining engaged in outside commitments, such as work and family.

Support Groups

Support groups or self-help groups could provide you with a space to feel heard and understood. You can also gain advice from other people with whom you have a shared similar experience.

Therapy

PROMIS is proud to offer some of the best treatments for sex-related problems. We offer a range of therapies, which include individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. Our clinicians use the most up-to-date and evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT).

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps you understand how your thoughts affect your feelings and actions. It is a structured and goal-oriented method that aims to identify and change irrational thoughts and harmful behaviours associated with sex addiction. These negative thoughts are challenged, and the behaviours are replaced with healthier alternatives.

Another effective therapy for sex addiction is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). This technique has strong educational elements to help you manage intense emotions and improve your relationships to reduce your distress and triggers. DBT emphasises being aware of the present moment, which allows you to respond to healthy sexual urges without acting impulsively.

Get Help With PROMIS

If you or a loved one are experiencing uncontrollable sexual impulses or struggling with sex addiction, it’s important to reach out for help and support.

PROMIS can provide a free assessment to determine your condition, evaluate the best course of treatment, and get you back on track.