Sex addiction is one of the least accepted addictions in our society. Many people believe that it is used as an excuse to justify immoral behavior. The truth is that sex addiction is very real and a very common addiction that many people struggle with. People who suffer sex addiction battle emotions of guilt and shame as they are often stigmatized.
Facts About Sex Addiction
A sex addict feels a lack of control over their desire to engage in sexual activities. People battling sex addiction will engage in risky behaviors that can cause serious consequences to themselves and others. Some of these behaviors include:
- Molestation/rape
- Multiple or anonymous sexual partners
- Consistent use of pornography
- Unprotected sex
- Phone or computer sex
- Prostitution or use of prostitutes
- Exhibitionism
- Obsessive dating through personal ads
- Voyeurism (watching others)
- Stalking
- Sexual harassment
- One-night stands
- Compulsive masterbation
- Extra-marital affairs
Some behaviors that may indicate whether a person has a sex addiction are:
- an abundance of time devoted to planning sexual activity
- interference of work or school in order to engage in sexual activities
- inability to have an emotional connection to a sexual partner
- inability to hold a committed relationship
- feelings of guilt or shame from the sexual encounters
- inability to stop engaging in sexual behaviors
- addiction to internet pornography and dating websites
- sexual encounters with an excessive amount of partners
As human beings, our sex drive differs from person to person. Some may have a stronger sex drive and others may have a weaker one. There is no standard way to distinguish between a normal and abnormal sex drive. Therefore, a person who is addicted to sex shares three characteristics: their inability to stop, their continuous engagement in risky behaviors, and their lives become dysfunctional and unmanageable.
Sex Addiction Rehab
Treating sex addiction is a similar concept to treating a drug addiction. The first step is to separate the addict from any sexual activity or temptation. This is usually done through a sex addiction rehab center. This detox phase usually take a few weeks until the abnormal sexual impulses become manageable. Once the individual has separated themselves from their harmful sexual compulsions, they will then undergo intensive therapy. Trained professional therapists work with the addict in individual group settings to bring to light the underlying causes of the individual’s problematic addiction.
Individual counseling is a one-on-one therapy session with an addiction treatment counselor. During these sessions, the therapist works to find the deep-rooted issues that may have been causing the addiction problem. Then they will provide healthy solutions on how to deal with those issues.
Groups sessions requires meeting with other individuals who share the same addiction problem. During these meeting each person shares their stories with one another. Group counseling creates a supportive environment amongst one another and helps the addict feel understood and accepted.
Aftercare for sex addiction rehab patients
Many addicts who have completed their addiction rehab program find it difficult to return back to their previous lifestyle without desire to relapse. This is because they are faced with so much temptation and are in high risk of beginning to use again. Aftercare helps transition the individual so that they will be able to learn how to deal with all the temptation they will encounter. This may include 12 step programs, and additional counseling to discuss the temptations. The following situations can cause an individual to relapse after treatment: seeing old friends or acquaintances, stress from your job, having to catch up on missed school work, or project at work, trying to have family members, friends, or acquaintances understand your disease, money problems, etc.
Sex Addiction and Drug Abuse Rehab
Outpatient Rehabilitation
Individuals in an outpatient facility will attend treatment during the day and then either return home or to a sober living facility in the evening. This method is advised to those who may not have a life threatening form of addiction, and who may have to attend to school or work. Many outpatient rehab centers will treat the client’s medical needs along with their psychological, social, behavioral, emotional and spiritual needs. They help their clients become fully functioning, crime-free, sober individuals, and contributing members of society.
Residential Rehabilitation
The individual moves into a room which is set-up similar to a dorm, or apartment style living, while receiving care 24/7. This type is ideal for an individual who may have a more severe addiction problem. It helps to relieve any day to day pressures so that the addict can focus primarily on their recovery. It offers medical exams, psychological exams, psychiatric consultations, individual sessions with a doctor, individual counseling, group therapy, men’s therapy, women’s groups, medication management, exercise and recreation, back to work planning, relapse prevention and sober living skills. Beachway Therapy Center can provide you with more information on sex addiction, call 888-345-7505 or contact us today.
