Sex Addiction Treatment

Though it routinely appears as a joke in movies and television shows, sex addition is no laughing matter - it destroys careers, families, and sentences many addicts to lives of guilt and shame. At Treatment Solutions Network, we understand the importance of non-judgmental and experienced sex addiction treatment. Call us today at 877-417-6237.

What is sex addiction?

Sex addiction is commonly defined as someone who anesthetizes his or her psychological pain with sex, or can't control his or her compulsive sexual activities. Since much of the brain's pleasure-causing chemical dopamine is released during orgasm - just like during the drinking of alcohol - is it possible to view sex addiction as a chemical addiction.

Sex addiction can affect anyone - man or woman, old or young. A room full of recovering sex addicts will often be as varied as the line at your local DMV.

According to Sharon O'Hara, a Los Angeles therapist and former president of the California chapter of the National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, sexual addiction - like any addiction - is chronic and escalating. Sex addicts experience a high, O'Hara told the East Bay Express newspaper, and if they try to quit, they have to deal with withdrawal symptoms just like substance abuse addicts do.

Sex addiction withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, headaches, and sleeplessness. At times, sex addicts may simultaneously suffer from alcoholism or drug addiction.

Can sex addiction treatment help?

YES. Millions of Americans (an estimated 3 to 8 percent of the population ) suffer from sex addiction, and many of those addicts have found more-stable, healthier lives through treatment - sometimes using 12-step support groups tailored specifically to their needs.

"For me, recovery is about far more than not meeting strangers for sex in deserted parking lots," recovering sex addict Benoit Denizet-Lewis wrote in an essay that appeared in the New York Times "It's about learning not to harm others or myself. It's about living an authentic, unselfish life - the opposite of addiction. It isn't easy but it has saved my life - and, on most days, made that life worth living."

With the sex addiction help available through Treatment Solutions Network, the same dramatic turnaround can happen for your or your loved one. Call us today at 877-417-6237.

What does it mean for a sex addict to be "sober"?

Unlike a recovering alcoholic who must steer clear of even a single drink, complete sexual abstinence is not required for a sex addict to be considered "sober."

Think of recovering from sex addiction as similar to treating an eating disorder - the person doesn't stop eating or having sex, but instead learns to do the problematic activity in a normal, appropriate manner.

For a recovering sex addict, this typically means having sex only within the confines of an emotionally-committed, monogamous relationship.

One thing to remember: though abstinence is not a strict requirement when treating sex addiction, there may be short-term periods where abstinence is necessary. For example, early in a sex addict's recovery period, the addict may simply not be in the proper emotional and psychological state to sustain a healthy sexual relationship. This could even mean a recovering sex addict will abstain (for a limited time) from sexual relations with their spouse.

Abstinence, especially from one's own spouse, isn't easy, but there are times when counseling has to take center stage - the recovering sex addict must focus on identifying and overcoming the emotional baggage or trauma that led them to view sex in damaging, unhealthy ways.

The Internet - a danger zone for sex addicts

One area of life that recovering sex addicts must be particularly careful with is the time that they spend surfing the Web. Sex addicts still in the throes of their illness often devote countless hours to visiting pornographic websites, or websites that specialize in arranging casual sexual encounters.

Among experts, the Internet has become known as the "crack cocaine of sex addiction."

It is difficult in our modern era to avoid complete use of the computer, so recovering sex addicts must learn to develop new, healthier Internet use habits - this is an essential component of successful relapse prevention.

The temptations of the Internet are not just something to be aware of during late-night hours - seventy percent of e-porn traffic occurs between 9.m. and 5 p.m., according to the Providence Journal-Bulletin.

With the sex addiction help available through Treatment Solutions Network, Internet use, social gatherings, and other potential relapse-causing situations can be managed effectively. Remember, sex addiction CAN be overcome - but you have to take the first step. Call us today at 877-417-6237.

No matter your insurance, be it Cigna, Aetna, Humana, Blue Cross / Blue Shield (BCBS), Assurant, Unicare, United Health Care, Anthem, Carefirst, Asuris Northwest Health, Golden Rule, Celtic Insurance, Fortis, Health Net, Kaiser, Vista, Shelter, Wellpoint, Tri Care, Accordia or even Medicare, and state insurance - we can help you find an adolescent drug rehab. We also offer many affordable self pay options as well as sex addiction programs.