Sex Addiction Treatment
Sex Addiction does not get the same amount of press and attention as other addictions such as drugs and alcohol, but nonetheless it is still very much a problem for some members of society. Defined as an obsession with sexual activity, sex addiction occurs when the person cannot stop thinking about sex to the point that work or healthy pursuits and relationships are not possible to maintain. The compulsion to act on sexual urges is strong and dominates the person’s life completely, with every thought and action aimed towards the goal of attaining sexual gratification only to start all over again. Risky behavior abounds despite the person knowing that special relationships can be destroyed, serious problems can occur at work and the potential is great for dangerous physical and emotional consequences.
There are many behaviors that can be associated with sex addiction and while it is very true that sometimes these compulsions lead to illegal behavior such as obscene phone calls or exhibitionism, not all sex addicts are destined to become sex offenders. Some of these behaviors are indicators of sex addiction and there are many others that can be included on this list as well:- Multiple, chronic infidelities in marriage or relationship
- Pornography addiction
- Compulsive masturbation
- Stalking or voyeurism
- Sexual harassment
- Molestation or rape
Before a person suffering from sex addiction can get treatment, they must first realize there is a problem and admit to the sex addiction. This almost always takes a dramatic event to bring the realization to light. An event such as marriage break-up, arrest for illegal sex related activities, loss of job due to sexual harassment or sex addiction dominating the person’s thought to exclusion of all else or a health crisis that results from the promiscuous sexual behavior. One or more of these things happening often is what it takes to make the sex addict see that there is a problem that needs attention.
Treatment of sex addiction is different from the treatment of drug or alcohol addiction in that the goal of treatment is not to stop having sex, as substance abuse addicts must stop using. Sex addicts do not aim for lifelong sexual abstinence, but the control of compulsive, harmful sexual behavior. Treatment in this case seeks to restore healthy sexual intimacy to the addict’s relationships. There are several treatment plan options available when the sex addict is ready to address the problem. Regardless of which direction is the chose treatment plan, the first thing that must happen is the addict must be separated from the detrimental behavior. This is much like the process of removing an alcohol or drug addict from the temptation of substances in that the ideal first step is in patient treatment. Going in patient will immediately place the sex addict in an environment where the likelihood of trigger factors that will compel him or her to have sexual addiction urges is diminished. The patient will be protected from onslaught of images and activities that trigger the addiction behaviors while learning to control the impulses and get past them without acting out.
In patient treatment can apply one of several different methods of intervention and treatment. The most common and perhaps most well known type of sex addiction treatment is the 12 Step Program. 12 Step Programs are widely used in the treatment of many types of addictions. Generally this type of program requires the sex addict to go through several steps:- The first step is admitting the addiction problem and admitting to the powerlessness over the compulsion to engage in sex addiction activities.
- Another important step in the 12 Step Program is for the addict to seek the help of God, or a higher power as it is understood. This is not a push to religion of any kind, but an acknowledgement that there is a power bigger than oneself that can help fight addiction when the addict cannot do it alone.
- The working through several specific steps that will help the sex addict understand the problem, understand self and begin to make amends to those that have been hurt along the way. Repairing relationships is a huge part of getting past addictions such as sex addiction.
- Choosing a sponsor who is also a recovering sex addict that has experience with the battle is a key to getting through the treatment process and staying on the road of recovery.
- Attending meetings with peers in a safe and supportive environment is yet another key to the recovery process.
Cognitive-behavior therapy is another approach to sex addiction. This approach takes on the sex addict’s thinking process and works to rewire the thought processes. Keys to behavior lie in teaching the person to actively think about something else in detail when faced with sex addiction urges. In addition, the recovering addict should pick a specific activity to take the place of the sexual addiction behaviors. When the compulsive urges strike, then the person can actively engage themselves in whatever they have chosen as the substitute activity. Exercise such as an intensive gym workout or run can be a beneficial choice in more than one way. The activity will help the mind move on past the urge and the resulting expending of energy will help settle the body down as well.
One-on-one therapy sessions are a good thing to have as part of the sex addiction treatment plan. In sessions such as these, the recovering addict can explore feelings and thought processes and try to better understand them and maybe the reactions as well. Group therapy sessions are typically part of any in patient sex addiction treatment program. These serve to show the recovering addict that he or she is not alone in the battle and allows all participants to learn from others experiences as well gain support in solidarity.
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to assist the recovering addict in the recovery treatment process. Typically these medications are anti-depressants and serve to help curb the irrational urges.
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