What Is Sex Addiction Treatment And Does It Work?
Sexual addiction, also sometimes called hypersexuality disorder or compulsive sexual behavior, typically involves having excessive sexual thoughts, desires, urges, or behaviors that are difficult to control, cause distress, or harm various aspects of your life. Many people experience sex addiction or problematic sexual behavior, with estimates showing that it affects approximately 3% to 10% of the general population in the United States. Sex addiction is one of several behavioral addictions a person might have. A mental healthcare professional can help individuals manage compulsive sexual urges and hypersexual behavior.
Causes and Risk Factors
Anyone can experience sex addiction or exhibit compulsive sexual behavior. However, some people may be more susceptible to this condition than others. For example, a chemical imbalance in the brain may be at play. Other risk factors may include
- A family history of addiction or mood disorders
- The presence of other addictive disorders such as addiction to recreational drugs or substance use disorder
- Taking certain medications
A bipolar individual experiencing a manic episode might also display hypersexual behavior as a result of their diagnosis. Behavioral addictions like sex addiction are often considered chronic conditions, but lifestyle changes (e.g., stress reduction methods) and professional treatment can help a person manage the condition.
Recognizing the Signs of Problematic Sexual Behavior
If you suspect that you or a loved one is experiencing sex addiction, there could be some signs and symptoms to look for, including:
- Obsessive thoughts about sex
- Having an excessive amount of sex or constantly fantasizing about sex
- Compulsive sexual urges
- Frequent masturbation
- Frequently visiting pornographic websites or strip clubs
- Trouble committing to one sexual partner
- Risky sexual behavior such as unprotected sex or adultery
- Having a hard time controlling sexual compulsivity, despite significant distress caused by these behaviors
Often, sex addiction causes the person significant distress and may cause them to lose friends, family members, and other loved ones.
Diagnosis: How Professionals Identify Hypersexual Behavior
Sex addiction, or hypersexual disorder, isn’t listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association. As a result, diagnosis may be more challenging. It could be best to look for a mental healthcare professional who specializes in behavioral addictions. Your clinician may ask you to describe current symptoms and rule out other mental health conditions before exploring treatment options.
Common treatment options for sex addiction
Sex addiction isn’t an official diagnosis in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), though it is considered a symptom of other mental disorders that can be commonly treated through therapy, medication, support groups, or a combination of these three options. If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms of sex addiction, the following treatment methods may be effective. There’s no shame in reaching out for professional help.
Therapy
Therapy, particularly psychodynamic psychotherapy, is a common treatment for sex addiction. Through therapy, you can work with a licensed therapist to find ways to manage your sexual behaviors and address possible causes. Two other common types of therapy that may be used for sex addiction are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT, which is a type of CBT). Different therapists may use different outpatient treatment methods or combine approaches, depending on the individual.
Some therapists specialize in helping people with sex addiction and understand what may cause these addictions to form. One person’s sex addiction may not necessarily be the same as another person’s sex addiction, so treatment options can be tailored to the individual.
Group therapy for sex addiction is sometimes recommended as well.
A therapist may help you cope with your urges while helping you find ways to promote positive mental health. Regular therapy sessions and follow-up visits may also help you feel stronger and develop better mental health habits in general. However, improvement doesn’t often occur overnight. Therapy for sex addiction often takes time and patience.
Medication
Certain medications might be prescribed by a doctor as part of an outpatient treatment plan to help individuals experiencing a sex addiction. Medications affect brain chemicals that are linked to obsessive thoughts and behaviors, and they may reduce sexual urges in some people. The medications prescribed for sex addiction are typically primarily prescribed for other conditions, such as to treat alcohol use disorder, for example, but they may be helpful for sex addiction as well. Medications that are often prescribed for sex addiction include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, naltrexone, and anti-androgens, among other medications.
Not everyone who has a sex addiction is prescribed medication, but there are instances where medication might be useful. For example, some people with sex addiction may also have other chronic conditions, including other addictions and mental health conditions, so their mental healthcare professional may consider these symptoms when determining a treatment approach. Regular follow-up visits may be necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication and to address any side effects.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended for any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action, including starting, stopping, or changing medications, without consulting a qualified medical professional.
Support groups
Self-help support groups are also often used to help people with sex addiction. One of the basic premises of these groups is often that there are steps to recovery, and going through these steps may help you to find success. Joining a support group, such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) may help you learn more about sex addiction and find support from other people with similar challenges. You might also learn coping strategies such as stress reduction methods and emotional regulation techniques.
Some people use a support group as an additional treatment option in combination with therapy or medication, rather than as the sole treatment. If you speak with a therapist, they might recommend a specific addiction support group to you if you’re interested in trying one.
Examples may include Alcoholics Anonymous, Sexaholics Anonymous, Love Addicts Anonymous, and Sexual Compulsives Anonymous. Reaching out for professional help or peer support is brave.
Do treatments work?
The effectiveness of different treatment options may vary from one individual to the next, but as the Cleveland Clinic notes, sex addiction “can be effectively managed” when an individual recognizes the addiction and wants to find relief. Those who commit to the process may find ways to manage this condition and lead a more fulfilling life.
Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders and Underlying Issues
Sex addiction might not occur in isolation. Sometimes, other addictions and mental disorders such as anxiety or mood disorders can be present as well. Other addictive disorders like gambling addiction and substance use disorder can be common comorbid conditions. A therapist or other mental health professional with experience addressing behavioral problems can help treat any underlying or co-occurring disorders. They may also provide coping strategies to deal with negative thoughts as well as stress-reduction methods.
Repairing Relationships and Emotional Well-Being
Many times, sex addiction leaves extensive damage in its wake, and not just to the individual experiencing it. Even people in long-term recovery often need to repair damaged relationships as a result of their condition. Emotional connection is imperative to fulfill emotional needs, though. Thus, therapy may not stay focused on stress-reduction methods or self-awareness, but expand to encompass communication and conflict resolution techniques to help with interpersonal relationships.
How online therapy can help
Shame or guilt around sex addiction can arise, so the thought of seeking professional help in person may be intimidating for some people. Being able to talk with an online therapist or other mental healthcare professional about sex addiction from the comfort of home may be more comfortable for these individuals. With online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed therapist via audio, live chat, or videoconferencing—or a combination of methods. You can also reach out to your therapist any time in between sessions through in-app messaging, and they’ll get back to you as soon as they can. This option may prove helpful if you experience urges or have questions in between therapy sessions and follow-up visits. Many other services are available through the platform as well.
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Online therapy has been shown to be an effective outpatient treatment option for individuals with addictions. For instance, one study published in Clinical Psychology Review conducted a systematic review of internet-based therapy for addictions. The review “concluded that Internet-based therapies for addictions are effective in achieving positive behavioral changes but that more research is required to determine the comparative effectiveness of various Internet-based therapies and their components.” Online therapy can also provide affordable care for people with sex addiction or other mental health concerns.
Takeaway
Below, find answers to questions commonly asked about this topic.
How can I overcome my sex habit?
Several strategies may aid in managing compulsive sexual behaviors. Speaking with mental health professionals may be helpful for diagnosing mental health conditions that could be contributing to the behavior. A mental health specialist may also be able to recommend a treatment plan to fit your needs. In addition, you might consider seeking out a support group, like SAA, to connect with others over mutual experiences.
Other strategies for overcoming compulsive sexual behavior may include:
- Talking to your doctor about medications, such as mood stabilizers, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and others
- Speaking to a therapist who specializes in addictive disorders
- Practicing self-care (eating nutritious meals, engaging in fun hobbies, and getting plenty of exercise)
- Seeking support from loved ones
What is it called when you are addicted to sex?
You may have heard terms like “sex addict” used to describe someone who is having trouble managing their sexual behavior. However, the term “sex addiction” is not officially recognized by the American Psychiatric Association in the DSM-5. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists “compulsive sexual behavior” as a diagnosis describing behaviors and traits commonly associated with sexual addiction.
Falling under the category of impulse control disorders, compulsive sexual behavior may include symptoms like:
- Engaging in sexual activities to the point that it negatively interferes with your life
- Experiencing sexual fantasies and urges that seem uncontrollable
- Using sex to manage anxiety, depression, or loneliness
- Continuing to engage in sexual behavior despite negative consequences, like health impacts or relationship conflicts
- Struggling to reduce sexual behavior
Why am I getting addicted to sex?
A variety of factors may contribute to compulsive sexual behavior. For example, an internet connection can make finding sexual content easier. Over time, this constant exposure may lead to more intense fantasies and urges. Some people may also turn to sex to cope with other life challenges, like stress, loneliness, or loss. In addition, drugs and alcohol can affect decision-making and make it harder to control sexual behavior.
Other mental health conditions may also be associated with compulsive sexual behavior. Here are some examples:
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Substance use disorders
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Cognitive decline or dementia
However, everyone is different, and the exact cause of sexual compulsion may vary from person to person.
Can sex addicts be faithful?
By seeking help and taking active steps to manage it, people with compulsive sexual behavior disorder can be faithful to their partners. Having a support system, either through loved ones or a group like SAA, is often a helpful factor in recovery. Maintaining healthy communication and following assigned treatment plans may also be influential.
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