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Breaking negative behaviour is one of the biggest challenges humans face. Seeking help is often necessary.
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 often occurs in combination with pornography addiction.
Sex addiction is similar to other addictions in that you compulsively pursue emotional relief in a problematic way, and you have tried to stop without success. This can have consequences and affect your life, which makes you feel much worse in the long run. In health care, the term hypersexuality is used because ‘sex addiction’ is not an official diagnosis in diagnostic manuals such as DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
Although sex addiction is not an official diagnosis, it can still lead to negative feelings for those who suffer from it, but help is available.
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Sex abuse diagnosis
Sex addiction is often referred to as hypersexuality because ‘sex addiction’ is not an official diagnosis. It is defined as a person who has excessive sexual behaviour with the compulsion to perform sexual acts, obsessive thoughts about sex, or sexual habits that are problematic.
The cause of sex addiction
It is not clearly understood what causes sex addiction, often many factors can contribute. Genetics, environment and social factors can play in its development. Addiction 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 are triggered by sex and closeness in relationships.
Sometimes issues with impulse control can be a factor in sex addiction. There may also be personality disorders that contribute to this addiction. With bipolar disease, manic phases may lead to problematic sexual behaviour. Therefore it is important to be diagnosed by a trained professional.
Often people use 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
One consequence of sex addiction is that you may act impulsively in relationships with people outside of your relationship. This May cause distress and affect trust in your relationship which may be difficult to repair. Family members of sex addicts also need to receive support and help.
ADHD and sex addiction
People with ADHD may be at increased risk of sex abuse. People with ADHD often have difficulty with impulse control. This can lead to various impulsive behaviours. It is possible to treat both ADHD and the symptoms of sex addiction. Therefore, if you or someone you know has these problems, treatment may be necessary.
Help for sex addiction
If you think you may have or be at risk for a sex addiction, it is important to seek help. Addiction, if left untreated can develop and become worse over time.
Symptoms of sex addiction
You may have the following symptoms if you suffer from problematic sexual behaviour such as a sex addiction or hypersexuality:
- 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, excessive masturbation or acting out sexually.
- Neglect of everyday activities: Sex addiction may lead you to neglect work, relationships and other responsibilities.
- Increased sexual behaviour despite negative consequences: Despite experiencing negative consequences from their sexual behaviour, you may continue to act compulsively.
- Constantly thinking about sex: One may constantly think about sex, which can affect concentration and focus in other areas.
- Engaging in risky behaviours: People with sex addiction may seek out increasingly risky 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 you can break the 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. Some psychologists and therapists specialize in sexual problems. Treatment may involve a combination of interventions, support groups and other therapeutic strategies to address the underlying causes of the addiction. Therapy also aims to develop healthier patterns of sexual behaviour. Some research shows that drugs such as Naltrexone, which is currently used to treat alcoholism, can be helpful for hypersexuality.
Treatment with CBT
At Lavendla we offer online therapy for sex addictions. We have qualified psychologists and CBT therapists who can 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 will learn to understand your symptoms and triggers, which is essential for change.
When is professional help unavoidable?
If you are experiencing signs of addiction that are affecting your life or work, you should seek professional help. There are many specialist courses on addiction that a therapist undergoes to provide you with the best support and treatment.
It is never too late to break free from 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 a 20- or 45-minute session with a psychologist or therapist today via our website booking form. If you are not ready yet, remember that you can always return when you are. Together we make the hard things easier.
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12 FAQs about Sex Addiction
What is sex addiction?
Addiction is a complex psychological condition in which the individual is unable to stop engaging in certain activities despite negative consequences.
Is sex addiction a disease?
While sex addiction is not an official diagnosis hypersexuality is. Hypersexuality is considered to be a brain disease because it affects the brain’s reward 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 behaviours.
What are the risks of sex addiction?
The potential risks range from problems with physical and mental health to unemployment and loss of relationships. A sex addiction may cause harm to 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. Work on learning sex addiction, if you find it difficult to understand. If you are a partner of a sex addict, you may also need to go to therapy.
What treatment options are available?
There are several different types of treatment such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and support groups.
Can sex addicts have other mental health problems?
Yes, sex addicts may have other underlying mental health problems such as ADHD, personality problems, or bipolar disorder.
What can be done in case of relapse?
Relapse can happen, so it is important to seek help immediately. Relapse is not a sign of failure.
What resources are available?
In addition to our professional therapists and psychologists, many websites, books, and support groups can offer additional information and support.
Can I be treated online?
Yes, at Lavendla, all our support sessions are held online via video conferencing.
How important is the support system around a person with an addiction?
A support system is often crucial to successful recovery. A good support system can offer support both emotionally and practically. This can reduce the risk of relapse and help an addict maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Treatment steps to improve quality of life
Treatment for sex addiction or hypersexuality differs from person to person, although they often follow a similar format. To help you understand what professional help to break destructive behaviour might look like, we have provided an example of the different phases.
- Evaluation and diagnosis: Treatment usually begins with a thorough assessment and evaluation of the individual’s sexual behaviours. This includes determining how long the person has been engaging in this behaviour, its impact on their life, and any underlying mental health issues.
- Treatment planning: An individual treatment plan will be developed based on the assessment. This plan may include different therapy methods, support measures and treatment goals.
- Psychotherapeutic treatment: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a common form of therapy used to treat a sex addiction. A therapist will work to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours related to sex. CBT typically includes developing strategies to manage desires, learning to manage impulses, and changing behavioural patterns.
- Follow-up and Maintenance: Long-term treatment and follow-up are often necessary to prevent a relapse. This may include regular meetings with healthcare providers and continued participation in support groups.
- Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes, including work, leisure and relationships, are often necessary to support long-term recovery.
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