Sex addiction can be thought of as a compulsive engagement in sex despite negative consequences. While engaging in sexual activity can be fulfilling if done healthily, those with a sex addiction can find the activity to be emotionally distressing. The individual will be unable to control this behavior, even if the negative consequences are laid bare. Individuals may use sexual activity as a form of escapism from emotional and psychological issues, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
What are some of the signs and symptoms of sex addiction?
Since sex addiction is not an official clinical diagnosis, the symptomology is vague and can vastly differ between individuals. However, there are some major overlapping themes that can be found in individuals who engaged in behaviors that can be labeled as a sex addiction:
- Person's life is dominated by sex, excluding other activities and hobbies
- Sexual activity may be inappropriate and/or risky
- Constant urge for sex is interspersed with other negative emotions, such as regret, anxiety, depression, or shame
- Person engages in other forms of sex when alone
One of the clearest signs is when an individual oscillates between periods of hypersexuality and low self-esteem. Engaging in sexual activity can provide short-term relief to a suffering individual, but over time, the individual's psychological well-being may continue to deteriorate.
What causes sex addiction?
While main underlying causes are still unknown, there are some theories as to how and sex addiction develops in individuals:
- Sex addiction may be a form of impulse control, obsessive-compulsive, or relationship disorder
- May emerge as a consequence and coping mechanisms for traumas experienced earlier in life, including sexual trauma
- Hypersexuality may be a symptom for other forms of mental illness, including bipolar disorder
- Neurological disorders have been shown to cause hypersexual behaviors
- Drugs that impact dopamine may also have the ability to do the same thing
How can sex addiction be treated?
- For treatment to commence, a diagnosis must have been undertaken by a medical or mental health professional, as this form of addiction can be difficult to accurately measure and diagnose.
- Treatment first involves identifying the underlying causes/triggers for an individual's compulsive sexual urges and behaviors.
- Most commonly, a combination of psychotherapy and medication is used.
- Psychotherapy
- Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT) --- this type of psychotherapy allows individuals to have the opportunity to learn what triggers their compulsive behaviors and the thoughts they engage in, ultimately learning how to stop them. CBT also helps clients with brainstorming healthy coping mechanisms that can be used in the face of experiencing a triggering event/individual.
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy --- this type of psychotherapy involves letting the individual with the sex addiction and their therapist to collaboratively figure out how to find a treatment that fits the person's specific symptoms. To do this, the individual's motivation is tapped into in order to set them on a path to change their behavior.
- Medication --- it is important to realize that there is no medication that specifically addresses the underlying causes of sex addiction. Certain drugs may be able to help an individual cope with disruptive symptoms that can be associated with the addiction.
- Mood stabilizers --- these drugs typically help individuals with bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). For an individual with a sex addiction, these might help them experience a decrease in compulsive urges.
- SSRIs --- these drugs are typically utilized for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. However, they can help with controlling the compulsions an individual might experience.
What do treatment programs for sex addiction involve?
Treatment for sex addiction can involve going to either an outpatient or inpatient facility. At an outpatient facility, individuals have more freedom to control the pace of their treatment; however inpatient treatment facilities are recommended. Individuals can get the treatment they desire in an environment that will mostly be free of triggers. Additionally, inpatient treatment facilities allow struggling individuals to meet and talk to other people that deeply understand the same struggle.
What does coping with a sex addiction involve?
- Recognizing and admitting to oneself that they have a problem that should be addressed
- Joining a support group --- joining a group such as Sex Addicts Anonymous can help individuals see and speak to other people who also have similar struggles
- Getting rid of triggers --- removing these triggers (if physical) or adjusting routines and behaviors to avoid triggers when out-and-about can reduce urges and compulsions
- Finding healthy distractions --- finding a healthy alternative activity to channel one's compulsions and urges into, such as exercising or meditating, is a helpful step to making change
Here at Madrigal, we are committed to addressing sex addiction holistically to help you reach your best potential.
*This information was adapted from VeryWell Mind. Click here and here to learn more information.*