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. Sober living homes are especially helpful when it comes to lifestyle changes.