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One of the biggest challenges we face as humans is breaking a behaviour. When you in a pattern that creates negative consequences in your life, you may need help.
What is sex addiction?
Sex addiction is a condition where a person experiences excessive and compulsive sexual behaviour. This can include preoccupation with masturbation, pornography, infidelity and sexual contact via chat and video. Sex addiction can occur in combination with pornography addiction.
Sex addiction is similar to other addictions where you compulsively pursue emotional relief in a way that causes problems in your life, and you have tried to stop without success. This can have consequences and affect your life, making you feel much worse in the long run. In health care, the term ‘hypersexuality’ is used because sex addiction is not an official diagnosis based on diagnostic manuals such as DSM-5.
The problem can still lead to many negative feelings for those with problematic sexual patterns, but help is available.
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Sex abuse diagnosis
Sex addiction is referred to as hypersexuality in health care because sex addiction is not an official diagnosis. It describes a person having excessive sexual behaviour with compulsion to perform sexual acts, obsessive thoughts about sex and loss of control or sexual habits that are problematic.
Causes of sex addiction
It is not clearly understood what causes sex addiction as there are often many different factors at play. Genetics, environment and societal factors can influence its development. Addiction in general, is a disease where the brain’s reward system is affected by dopamine and serotonin. In sex addiction, changes in stress levels and the hormone oxytocin have also been observed. Higher levels of oxytocin occur, something often triggered by pairing and closeness in relationships.
Sometimes neuropsychiatric issues with impulse control problems can be behind the behaviour. There may also be a personality disorder that contributes to the behaviour. With a bipolar diagnosis, manic phases can lead to problematic sexual behaviour, so it is important to get the right diagnosis from a licensed professional. People may also act out in an addiction to alleviate other mental health problems such as anxiety, stress or depression. It is important to seek help and support if you have these problems.
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Infidelity and sex addiction
A consequence of sex addiction is that you may act impulsively in relationships with people who are not your partner. This can cause a lot of distress for all parties and affect trust in the relationship which can take a long time to repair. It is also important that family members receive support and help.
ADHD and sex addiction
There may be an increased risk of sex addiction if you have ADHD, just as there is with other addictions such as alcoholism, drug addiction or gambling. In ADHD, people often have difficulty with impulse control and this can lead to various impulsive behaviours. It is possible to treat both ADHD and the symptoms of sex addiction, so if you or someone else has these problems, you should seek treatment.
Help for sex addiction
If you wonder whether you have a sex addiction or are at risk of developing one, it is important to seek help. Otherwise, the problems can develop and become even worse over time.
Sex addiction symptoms
If you suffer from problematic behaviour such as sex addiction or hypersexuality, it is common to have these symptoms:
- Discomfort or inability to control sexual behaviour: You may have difficulty controlling your sexual impulses and behaviours, which can lead to a pattern of compulsive sexual behaviour. Examples include watching pornography, self-sex, or acting out with other people.
- Neglect of everyday activities: Sex addiction can lead to neglect of work, relationships and other responsibilities.
- Increased sexual behaviour despite negative consequences: Despite experiencing negative consequences from their sexual behaviour, they may continue to act compulsively.
- Constantly thinking about sex: One may constantly think about sex, which can affect concentration and focus in other areas of life.
- Engaging in risky behaviours: People with sex addiction may seek out increasingly risky and dangerous sexual behaviours to achieve the same level of excitement or satisfaction.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek help so that the behaviour does not get worse and so that you can break your pattern and increase your quality of life.
Treatment for sex addiction
It is possible to get help with treatment if you suffer from sex addiction. There are psychologists and therapists who specialise in sexual problems. Treatment may involve a combination of methods, interventions, support groups, and other therapeutic strategies to address the underlying causes of the addiction and develop healthier patterns of sexual behaviour. It is possible to change your pattern and create a better quality of life. There is also some research showing that drugs such as Naltrexone, which is currently used to treat alcoholism, can be helpful for hypersexuality.
Treatment with CBT
You can get therapy for sex addiction online. Lavendla has licensed psychologists and CBT therapists ready to help you with treatment.
From conversation to understanding and change
Talk therapy is often the first step in seeking help. By working with a psychologist or therapist, you can begin to understand your symptoms and triggers, which is essential for long-term change.
When professional help is unavoidable
If you are experiencing signs of abuse or addiction that are affecting your life or work, it is essential that you seek professional help. There are many training courses on addiction and dependency that caregivers undergo to provide the best possible support and treatment.
It is never too late to break free from abuse or addiction. Help is available and support is just a click away. So if you or someone you love is struggling with these issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
The first step to change
Book an introductory session with one of our psychologists or therapists through our website. If the time is not right at the moment, remember that you can always come back when you are ready to make a change. Together we make the difficult easier.
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12 common questions and answers about sex addiction
What is sex addiction?
Addiction is a complex psychological condition in which the individual feels an inability to stop performing a certain activity, despite negative consequences.
Is sex addiction a disease?
Yes, sex addiction in the form of hypersexuality is considered a brain disease because it affects the brain’s reward and hormone systems and decision-making.
Can sex addiction be cured?
Any type of addiction can be treated, but it often requires long-term care and support. It is possible to change your patterns and improve your quality of life.
What are the signs that I may be a sex addict?
Symptoms include excessive compulsion to perform sexual acts, obsessive thoughts about sex and loss of control or problematic sexual habits.
What are the risks of sex addiction?
The potential risks range from problems with our physical and mental health, unemployment and loss of relationships. You can also harm yourself and others so it is important to seek help.
How can I help a family member who is a sex addict?
The first step is to offer your support. Encourage them to seek professional help and stand by them during treatment. Seek information about the problem if you find it difficult to understand and if you are a partner, you may also need to go to therapy.
What treatment options are available?
There are several different types of treatment such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and support groups.
Can you have other mental health problems while being a sex addict?
There may be underlying mental health problems such as ADHD, personality problems, a bipolar diagnosis or other mental health problems.
What can be done in case of relapse?
Relapse can happen and it is important to seek help immediately. Relapse is not a sign of failure but it is important to act quickly to get back on track.
What resources are available?
In addition to our professional therapists and psychologists, there are many websites, books, and support groups that can offer additional information and support.
Can I be treated online?
Yes, our therapists and psychologists offer treatment via video conferencing sessions.
How important is the support system around a person with an addiction?
A support system is often crucial to successful recovery. This includes professional help with treatment and a good support system both emotionally and practically. It can help reduce the risk of relapse and help the person maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Treatment steps to improve quality of life
Treatment for a sex addiction or hypersexuality differs from person to person, although they often follow a similar format. To give you an understanding of what professional help to break a destructive behaviour might look like, we have listed examples of the different phases.
- Evaluation and diagnosis
The first step is often a thorough evaluation and diagnosis by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. - Treatment planning
An individual treatment plan is created, which often includes different treatment methods such as psychotherapy, drug treatment and sometimes even self-help groups. - Psychotherapeutic treatment
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most commonly recommended method. It involves working with thoughts, feelings, and behaviours associated with sex addiction. Relapse prevention is also usually part of the treatment. It may also include motivational interviewing. - Follow-up and Maintenance
Long-term treatment and follow-up are often necessary to prevent relapse. This may include regular meetings with health care providers and continued participation in support groups. - Lifestyle changes
Changes in lifestyle, including work, leisure, and relationships, are often necessary to support long-term recovery.
