Sex addiction is a disorder characterized by compulsive or impulsive sexual behavior. The urge to have sex becomes a constant companion, accompanied by feelings of shame, regret, and anxiety.
A person may even engage in inappropriate activities, such as sex with prostitutes or attending sex clubs on a regular basis. The constant need for sex leads to a low self-esteem, which is worsened by the fact that it usually only provides temporary relief.
Sex addiction is a type of compulsive sexual behavior
The physical and psychological effects of sex addiction are varied and may include loss of professional licensure and status, as well as financial and legal consequences. Some addicts even go to jail, while others lose their jobs and face lawsuits. In some extreme cases, the addicts become so obsessed with sex that they start distancing themselves from their emotional and mental states. The psychological effects of sex addiction may be even more damaging than the physical ones.
Treatment for this disorder varies widely, depending on the cause of the addiction. While the official diagnostic classification framework does not list sexual addiction as a distinct disorder, most doctors treat it using a combination of behavioral methods. Dialectical behavior therapy is a popular treatment method and has proven effective in improving treatment outcomes. A group of sexual addiction therapists called Certified Sex Addiction Therapists (CSAT) specialize in treating sexual addiction. However, their techniques have not been evaluated in peer-reviewed studies.
It is associated with fantasy
Fantasy-based sexual behavior is frequently problematic in people with sex addiction. Such behaviors include preoccupation with another person or obsession with a possible relationship, and an unwillingness to pursue it in reality. Another symptom of sexual addiction is future-tripping, the ability to imagine having a sexual interlude with a person without actually having it. It may also involve the reliving of past sexual interludes, such as a dream about the next time you’ll have a partner.
The primary goal of sexual fantasy in people with sex addiction is to experience sex with a sexy partner. Whether it is wild passionate sex with a beautiful woman, being powerful and in control, or giving a woman everything she wants, these fantasies are a symptom of a larger problem. A therapist can help the person deal with the problem and find the way to overcome it.
It can lead to sexually transmitted infections
The CDC is sounding the alarm about an increase in the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. According to recent studies, cases of STDs have increased for the fifth consecutive year, and substance use is a significant contributor to the problem. Substance use disorders are associated with higher rates of STDs and other behaviors that increase risk. These behaviors include unprotected sex, having multiple sexual partners, and needle use.
Symptoms of sex addiction may include HIV infection, genital herpes, syphilis, and gonorrhea. Those who are addicted to sex risk contracting STDs. Excessive sexual activity may cause genital injury, including the use of sex aids or foreign objects. Sexual addiction can also cause physical damage to the body, resulting in car crashes and a host of other problems.
Treatment options
In order to treat a sexual addiction, a person first has to research available treatment options. There are various treatments available for the problem, including individual therapy and couples therapy. While most of these methods focus on helping an individual control their urges and mental health symptoms, some of them may also address co-occurring disorders, such as depression. Individual therapy can help those suffering from sexual addiction because it can offer a different perspective, since it does not involve a partner or other personal ties. However, locating a therapist specializing in sex addiction can be challenging, as some people are limited in time and money or may have other obligations.
Inpatient and outpatient facilities both offer different treatment options. Outpatient centers allow patients to dictate their pace of treatment, while inpatient programs give a more structured environment and are free of triggers. Inpatient facilities are also ideal for people who fear relapse or want to continue therapy after treatment. These facilities should be specialized in treating sex addiction. You can find therapists in any state through Google. While in-person therapy is the preferred option for most people, it may not be a viable option if you cannot divorce your partner or live with them.
