Sex & Porn Addiction Treatment

The need to engage in sexual activities (both the actual act and activities connected to it) are deeply intertwined with each other. For some, seeking a partner, even anonymous and multiple ones, is needed to quench a desire. For others, seeking satisfaction through searching for pornographic material needs to be fulfilled.

Whatever the case may be, sex and porn addiction are two disorders that are both distinct, yet are deeply rooted in each other. In terms of co-occurence, these two can be merged into one – and still be connected to other disorders that are often in parallel with sexual acts.

With a touch of process addiction added into the mix, sex and porn addiction may be a stifling sensation that can result in both mental and physical anguish.

Formally, it can be debated that sex addiction was considered and recorded as a new form of addiction during the 1980s. As noted in a study released in 2012, Inventing Sex: The Short History of Sex Addiction, this form of addiction was the product of cultural anxieties.

Although the interest and proposed study on the actual disorder has been recorded even as early during the onset of Christianity, and another during the 1800s concerning the excessive discharge of semen, a formal examination in this field wasn’t entirely pursued mainly because of the negative stigma concerning sexual activity. In fact, pursuing further studies and development on sexual addiction was ridiculed during the early 1990s, when acceptance of this form of addiction wasn’t accepted by the public (in connection to the rise of AIDs cases during those years).

Moreover, sex addiction (and its related disorders, such as pornography and even love) are some of the least discussed and understood forms of addictions. Given the deep connection this disorder has for the mind, the need to further study and comprehend these acts is needed to create effective treatment plans and strategies.

• 60% of individuals suffering from sex addiction have been noted to be abused during their early childhood years.
• Approximately 70% of females suffering from sexual addictions have reported a case of at least one unwanted pregnancy.
• Venereal disease seems to be a common effect from this form of addiction, with 45% females and 38% of males suffering from sex addiction diagnosed with one.
• It is estimated that there are 18 million to 24 million individuals in the United States suffering from sex addiction.
• There is a connection between sex addiction and Alzheimer’s disease: 4.3% to 9% diagnosed with the neurological disorder have also been recorded to be addicted to sex.
• In the United Kingdom, it is estimated that 52 million individuals make approximately 2,000 phone calls seeking professional help in dealing with sex addiction.
• Risky behaviors lead to larger offences: Approximately 55% of sex offenders have also been recorded to be addicted to sex.
• Dual diagnosis is deeply linked with sex addiction as well. Around 80% of individuals suffering from sex addiction are likely to be living with another form of addiction as well.
• Linking to pornography addiction, approximately 94% of individuals addicted to sex have also engaged in filming themselves in the act with their partners.
• On average, male suffering from sex addiction has at least 32 sex partners.
• Connected to porn addiction and social addiction, 3 out of 4 individuals suffering from sex addiction have been noted to post naked pictures of themselves online.
• It has also been noted that at 19% versus a rate of 4.6%, individuals suffering from sex addiction are more likely to attempt suicide.
• 70% of individuals currently treating their sexual addiction have been recorded to have withdrawal symptoms of the physical kind.

Sexual addiction generally has these warning signs or symptoms:

• The constant craving to engage in sexual acts.
• The need to connect to different individuals to engage in different forms of sexual activities.
• Having an unquenchable appetite to engage in different sexual behaviors.
• The constant need to search for pornographic material.
• The need to amass a collection of pornographic material.
• Connected to process addiction, the thrill of engaging in connecting with potential partners for sexual activities.
• Losing track of personal and professional commitments because of engaging in sexual activities.
• Constantly immersing in sexual fantasies to the point that reality is left out.
• The constant need to masturbate.
• Feeling guilty of the deep interest and engagement in sexual activities.
• Low self-esteem.

Here are some general effects that may stem from being addicted to sex:

Depression

Dealing with an unhealthy focus on carnal desires may result in depression. Coupled that sexual activities are mostly taboo in some cultures, the lack of help may find a person with this disorder to wallow in despair when dealing with it.

Loss of Focus

Regardless if this would be for work, study, or personal relationships, an individual addicted to sex may derail commitments and bonds with others. Prioritizing either pornography or sex addiction over others may leave the afflicted to having a clear retreat from reality.

Prone to Dual Diagnosis

As mentioned earlier in the statistics section, individuals suffering from sex addiction are more likely to have co-occurrent disorders. Taken as a side effect from engaging in sexual relationships (with substance abuse and even internet addiction or porn addiction connecting to the main disorder), dual diagnosis conditions can also be the result of the fast-paced lifestyle that most individuals suffering from sex addiction experience.

There are several treatment programs and strategies to address sex addiction. Here are some of the most popular and effective options:

Residency Treatment Approach

Certain inpatient centers now integrate sex addiction recovery programs. By removing individuals from an environment that may trigger harmful effects caused by sex addiction, people suffering from the said condition can instead focus on his or her healing. Additionally, individuals in residency treatment programs also gain an advantage in getting not only accessible and fast help from professionals – a chance to network with like-minded peers may be possible, allowing the afflicted to have a strong and reliable support group as well.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Approach

Considering that sex addiction has a deep connection to process addiction, the need to tackle this disorder psyhologically is highly recommended. Through this form of therapy, individuals may properly identify triggers that can cause this form of addiction, and the necessary steps needed to properly address this disorder.

Focused Group Support

Similar to substance abuse, there are groups available for individuals suffering from sex addict to seek help from. Working similarly on how Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) organize their meetups, the Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) can help in creating a safe zone for individuals. The group support system will also allow an individual to learn more of what he or she is dealing with, with no prejudice whatsoever. Additionally, the opportunity to be with like-minded individuals (under the guidance of a supervisor, of course), grants the individual the confidence he or she needs when dealing with the addiction.

Psychotherapy (Psychodynamic Approach)

Given the nature of the mind, a psychodynamic therapy approach may prove to be an efficient way to address sex addiction. This therapy helps individuals to intentionally point out awareness of subliminal thoughts, interpreting these signals, and the best ways to deal with these issues.

Medication Treatment Plan

Medical professionals may prescribe certain meditations to support sex addiction psychotherapy treatment. In a sense, most of these medications serve in decreasing dopamine increase when engaging in sexual triggers, stifling the need to pursue certain actions that may result in addiction. Of course, considering the potential dual diagnosis nature of sex addiction, the medication chosen should not aggravate other disorders an individual has.

Some medication typically prescribed to individuals suffering from sex addiction are:

• Naltrexone – this helps stabilize the compulsive or process addiction nature of this disorder.
• Anti-androgens – this medication helps reduce the sexual urges males suffering from sex addiction have.
• Antidepressants – given that depression may be connected to sex addiction, antidepressants may also be prescribed by medical experts.

Lifestyle Change

The need to change one’s mindset or perspective in tackling issues related to the disorder may help address sex addiction. Getting into other hobbies or ventures may help an individual lose interest in his or her addiction. A healthier alternative, of course, is better appreciated, especially when done with peers seeking only the best for the individual. Additionally, taking some time off from avenues that may lead to pornographic material (such as the Internet) may prove to be rewarding for the individual in the long run.

Treating sex addiction is possible when the right steps are administered. Intentionally acknowledging that some routines are damaging will allow an individual to also see the possible repercussions he or she may experience when engaging in addicting activities.

Also, knowing the importance of psychotherapy is needed when dealing with sex addiction. This disorder mainly deals with the mind – the power of suggestion needs to be implemented, for an individual to accept that his or her actions will lead to negative effects.