ABOUT SEX ADDICTION

The most common definition of sex addiction is when sex becomes compulsive, or a repetitive behavior that interferes with daily functioning and interpersonal relationships. Not unlike other addictions, sex becomes a “drug” that often is associated with cravings, overpowering urges, triggered events or emotional states. The addiction, like all addictions is a maladaptive attempt to address emotional difficulties or negative internal beliefs.  According to current literature, up to 10 percent of Americans are caught up in a sex addiction and are in need of treatment. Paradise Recovery provides a safe, confidential and professional setting for you to begin the recovery process and reclaiming your life.

Sex addiction has nothing to do with love, affection, or even sex at times! That is correct.  Just like the alcoholic or drug addict is drawn to the drug because of how it makes them feel, even for a few seconds, the same is true for the sex addict. Often clients will describe trance-like states, disconnecting from their emotions in the moment, and re-enacting encounters time and time again.  The behavior gives them a euphoric feeling and that feeling is the aim of sex addict. It is all about the addict.  Sex with a sex addict can feel empty for the other sexual partner, if they are not caught up in a sex addiction as well.

Often, a sex addict will use alcohol, drugs, inhalants, pornography, fetishes to make the situation more un-real and fantasy like. 

Studies show that sex addicts often suffer from co-occurring mental health problems such as: depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, panic attacks, and thoughts of suicide. Suicidality is a serious concern, in the hours and days following a sex addict being caught.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SEX ADDICTION

You may be having a problem with compulsive sexual behavior if you:

1. Have difficulty resisting urges to engage in specific sexual behavior
2. Increasing the duration and frequency of the behavior to attain the same feeling state
3. Preoccupation with sex and perceiving others as mere sexual objects
4. The behavior persists despite your knowledge that there could be devastating consequences at home, at work, or financially
5. Leading a “secret life” from partner, spouse, loved ones with the behavior
6. The behavior persists despite further complicating a physical illness and being contagious
7. Levels of intensity and risk increases without the ability to stop
8. Anxiety, disgust, depression when not able to engage in the behavior
9. Thoughts of suicide if ever caught engaging in this behavior

TREATING SEX ADDICTION

Sex addicts rarely seek help without the assistance of a loved one, spouse, or some civil authority.  When a person agrees to treatment, the therapist will often do an comprehensive assessment with a particular concern about the family of origin. Sexuality and beliefs about sex are often learned, so it is helpful for the client and the clinician to understand how sex and affection was handled, or not, in the family.  Also, the clinician takes a thorough social history of the individual, any history of traumas including: sexual abuse, neglect, exposure to adults having sex at a young age, etc.

One of the key components of treating sex addiction is for the client to shift the preoccupation from unhealthy, sexual encounters to strengthening and re-committing to “real” relationships with their partner, spouse, or even a dear friend. The new practice does not need to be sexual, since the focus is on relationship management, not sex therapy! Similar to treatment interventions with patients with eating disorders, we do not advocate abstinence from sexual activity, but certainly stopping the compulsive, addictive behaviors. 

For individuals who engage in criminal, or violent sexual offenses (e.g. pedophilia, pederast, rape) a different course of treatment is recommended.