Perhaps you’ve been struggling with what you think might be a possible sex addiction for quite some time, but you’re just not sure if that’s really what you’re dealing with. You might be wondering, how does it feel to be addicted to sex? Is what you’re going through typical of a sex addict? Fortunately, there are ways to identify whether or not the characteristics you’re displaying are those of a sexual addiction.
Sex addiction treatment is available, but it’s not always easy to come to the realization that you need help. Maybe you can see there’s a problem, but you’re just not sure what to do. It all starts with understanding how sexual addictions work. Once you can understand that and even identify with some of the behaviors, you can begin to understand a need for sexual addiction counselling.
Let’s talk a little bit about sexual addiction treatment as we begin.
Sexual Addiction Treatment
Sexual addiction is often a cycle that continues on and on until it is broken. A popular misconception is that sexual addiction is something that only affects men. This is not true as research tells us that approximately 50% of sex addicts (and / or love addicts) are female! The addict experiences some situation or challenge that causes him or her to turn to sex for solace. This is usually a secretive activity, such as watching pornography or engaging in a sexual relationship that is unhealthy. These sexual acts become related to feelings of relief from those emotional challenges, which is the breeding ground for an addiction to form. As soon as the brief high wears off, the addict needs to engage in sexual activity again. However over time, it’s common for the type of sexual activity to increase in frequency and/or severity.
Sexual addiction help works by first breaking the cycle of addiction. This is characterized by a period of abstinence. Once that has been done, it’s possible for the addict to work on gaining the tools and coping mechanisms that are necessary to overcome and heal from the issues that the addiction stemmed from. Group therapy is often a very successful sexual addiction help method because the addict can understand that he is not alone and he is exposed to an inclusive support system.
Understanding Sexual Addiction
Sexual addiction is a driving force to engage in something sexual, but it’s never really about the sex. It’s more about the feelings that the addictive behaviors create or take away. Once the act is over, the addict often feels remorse and a deep need to stop, but he is unable to do so on his own. He may even attempt to stop for a period of time, and relapses are very common (although they are not inevitable, contrary to popular belief). In fact, relapses can even lead to a deeper form of the addiction taking root, resulting in acts that increase in their deviancy over a short period of time.
Sex addicts are compelled to act out on their urges. In many ways, a sexual addiction is no different than an alcohol addiction or a drug addiction. All of them can be painful for the addict as well as for their family members. Still, a sexual addiction occurs because the addict chose the wrong answer to a different problem.
Were you able to identify yourself in any of those behaviors? Healing is available to you through sex addiction treatment. It can be difficult to come to grips with the fact that you need to get treatment, however, getting treatment offers you the best chance to finally experience the freedom you really want.
If you have additional questions or would like to make an appointment, please contact me.
