There are a number of approaches to treating sex addiction. Some
depend on the type of sexual compulsion and the cause. With an increase
in the number of studies on this addiction, the business of treating the
disorder has grown and new programs are constantly being developed and
refined. Here we will discuss some of the basic types of treatment for
sex addiction.
Therapy
One of the most common methods of treating sex addiction utilizing professional expertise is therapy. A therapist does not necessarily need to be an expert or specialist in sex addiction; however, one should be sure they have an understanding of the disease of addiction. There is some debate in the mental health field about whether or not this addiction exists and if it can be qualified as an addiction.
Therapists typically meet with clients one on one. The frequency and duration of these sessions varies depending on the situation. Initial sessions tend to be longer and more frequent than future sessions.
During these talks a therapist will do a number of things. They will try to help the client uncover the root cause of the problem. There are many theories as to what causes sex addiction. Some point to childhood problems such as abuse or neglect, others have cited genetics and brain chemistry, and others suggest it is often a combination of factors. In any case, knowing the cause of the behavior can be essential in controlling it. A person may engage in compulsive sex to alleviate their depression, or to boost their self-esteem. The therapist will then focus on addressing the underlying issue. It is important to note this addiction is not merely a symptom of another problem, but is a problem all its own. The brain has come to crave the chemicals produced when sex occurs, and finding ways to curb this activity can be discussed in therapy. If a person cannot find a sex addiction specialist, (CSAT, certified sex addiction therapist) they need a therapists experienced in dealing with addictions.
A therapist's role is to be a teacher as well as a listener. It's all well and good to know why a person is addicted to sex, but getting them to control the behavior is another thing entirely. No one technique can be expected to work, so addicts learn as many skills as possible and employ as many as they need. Thought replacement techniques teach the addict to read or recite motivational phrases or think along certain lines whenever an urge hits them. They also learn to turn to a number of tasks or activities when cravings strike, such as exercise, reading, or art. Simple breathing exercises are used, too, or maybe they contact a friend for support.
Medication
Some mental health professionals will also prescribe medication. Certain drugs can reduce a person's sex drive. Alternatively, if the underlying problem is one that can be treated with medication, drugs can help remove the sexual behaviors' trigger. There may also be other underlying mental health disorders which can be treated with the use of medication.
Many treatments approach addiction to sex in the same manner as drug addiction. Remember an addiction is the body's dependency on a chemical (whether foreign, or produced by a behavior, is a matter of debate in defining "addiction"), and teaching the body/brain to no longer crave a certain substance is a practice with a long history.
12 Step Programs
The Twelve-Step program, used by Alcoholics Anonymous to treat alcoholism, has been adapted to combat other addictions and compulsive behaviors. Sexaholics Anonymous, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous and Sex Addicts Anonymous make use of the program in group settings. One of the strengths of the Twelve Steps is the encouragement of self-reflection and self-monitoring behavior, and that it taps into spirituality which is known to be a powerful psychological tool.
Therapy
One of the most common methods of treating sex addiction utilizing professional expertise is therapy. A therapist does not necessarily need to be an expert or specialist in sex addiction; however, one should be sure they have an understanding of the disease of addiction. There is some debate in the mental health field about whether or not this addiction exists and if it can be qualified as an addiction.
Therapists typically meet with clients one on one. The frequency and duration of these sessions varies depending on the situation. Initial sessions tend to be longer and more frequent than future sessions.
During these talks a therapist will do a number of things. They will try to help the client uncover the root cause of the problem. There are many theories as to what causes sex addiction. Some point to childhood problems such as abuse or neglect, others have cited genetics and brain chemistry, and others suggest it is often a combination of factors. In any case, knowing the cause of the behavior can be essential in controlling it. A person may engage in compulsive sex to alleviate their depression, or to boost their self-esteem. The therapist will then focus on addressing the underlying issue. It is important to note this addiction is not merely a symptom of another problem, but is a problem all its own. The brain has come to crave the chemicals produced when sex occurs, and finding ways to curb this activity can be discussed in therapy. If a person cannot find a sex addiction specialist, (CSAT, certified sex addiction therapist) they need a therapists experienced in dealing with addictions.
A therapist's role is to be a teacher as well as a listener. It's all well and good to know why a person is addicted to sex, but getting them to control the behavior is another thing entirely. No one technique can be expected to work, so addicts learn as many skills as possible and employ as many as they need. Thought replacement techniques teach the addict to read or recite motivational phrases or think along certain lines whenever an urge hits them. They also learn to turn to a number of tasks or activities when cravings strike, such as exercise, reading, or art. Simple breathing exercises are used, too, or maybe they contact a friend for support.
Medication
Some mental health professionals will also prescribe medication. Certain drugs can reduce a person's sex drive. Alternatively, if the underlying problem is one that can be treated with medication, drugs can help remove the sexual behaviors' trigger. There may also be other underlying mental health disorders which can be treated with the use of medication.
Many treatments approach addiction to sex in the same manner as drug addiction. Remember an addiction is the body's dependency on a chemical (whether foreign, or produced by a behavior, is a matter of debate in defining "addiction"), and teaching the body/brain to no longer crave a certain substance is a practice with a long history.
12 Step Programs
The Twelve-Step program, used by Alcoholics Anonymous to treat alcoholism, has been adapted to combat other addictions and compulsive behaviors. Sexaholics Anonymous, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous and Sex Addicts Anonymous make use of the program in group settings. One of the strengths of the Twelve Steps is the encouragement of self-reflection and self-monitoring behavior, and that it taps into spirituality which is known to be a powerful psychological tool.
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