Can medication help treat Sex Addiction? Expert views
Clinical Review by:
Published:
Dec 5, 2024
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06:45 p.m.
ET
Sex Addiction is a controversial topic among medical professionals and widely misunderstood by society. While many may hear the term “Sex Addiction” and think it only means having excessive sexual encounters, it is far more complicated than one simple definition.
Professionals have been debating on whether or not Sex Addiction warrants a formal diagnosis or if it should be considered a symptom of other impulse control disorders. What the medical world can agree on is that treatment for the symptoms and compulsive behaviors of sex addiction is a necessary step in addressing this issue. Medication is an aspect of treatment for sex addiction that has been explored more in recent years. A variety of medications have been identified that may help treat certain symptoms and behaviors that occur in Sex Addiction.
What is Sex Addiction? Is it real?
Sex addiction, although not a formal diagnosis on its own in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), may be related to other mental health conditions such as behavioral addictions or impulse control disorders. Sex addiction is also referred to hypersexuality or compulsive sexual behavior.
The negative impact and behaviors of sex addiction are very real and can be characterized by uncontrolled or obsessive urges to engage in unhealthy sexual behaviors. Someone who is suffering from sex addiction may experience difficulty regulating sexual impulses, which lead to negative impacts in their daily life.
Treatment methods for Sex Addiction
A lack of research into sex addiction and the absence of official diagnosis criteria have resulted in a lack of evidence based treatment models specifically for sex addiction. Sex addiction is currently being treated by identifying the individual behaviors associated with it and using various modalities to address them.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy may be an effective way to treat the behaviors of sex addiction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a popular therapy method used to treat the behavioral issues associated with sex addiction. Other types of psychotherapy used to treat sex addiction include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-based Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. Virtual therapy is another option for sex addiction treatment as it provides greater flexibility and accessibility to specialized treatment. Birches Health offers 100% remote treatment with therapists who specialize in treating sex addiction.
Group Support
Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) follows a 12-step program ideology and uses the camaraderie of those with shared experiences to support each other during recovery. SAA is available all over the country.
In-patient vs. outpatient treatment
Depending on the severity of an individual's sex addiction more intensive treatment may be necessary. Inpatient and outpatient facilities may offer programs that treat sex addiction in conjunction with other mental health diagnoses. Inpatient programs typically involve a 30-day or more stay where someone is fully immersed in a treatment program. Outpatient treatment is more flexible and runs concurrently with daily life. Both options involve various types of therapy and teach participants how to change negative behaviors and utilize new coping mechanisms.
Is medication used to treat Sex Addiction?
Currently there are no FDA approved medications for sex addiction. Physicians may prescribe medications to treat the behaviors associated with sex addiction that are used to treat other compulsive or addictive disorders. The goal of medication is to help reduce the urges and behaviors that accompany sex addiction.
Types of medications used to treat Sex Addiction
Medications that may help treat sex addiction involve components that alter brain chemicals that affect thoughts and behaviors. They work to lessen the “rewards” the brain receives when someone engages in their compulsive behaviors. The medicine that is best for an individual will depend on their situation and if they have additional mental health concerns.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants or SSRIs may help to reduce the amount of urges someone experiences or decrease their preoccupation with sexual behaviors.
Mood Stabilizers
Mood stabilizers are typically used to treat bipolar disorder but have shown promise in helping to reduce compulsive sexual urges.
Opioid Antagonists (Naltrexone)
Naltrexone blocks the pleasure receptors in the brain so that addictive behaviors such as sexual compulsions do not achieve the same euphoric effect that feeds into addiction. Opioid Antagonists are used to treat other behavioral diagnoses such as gambling addiction as well.
Anti-androgens
Anti-androgens can be used to lessen the effects of sexual hormones in the body. When androgens are stifled, it reduces sexual urges and lowers testosterone levels to inhibit sexual desire. This type of medication is typically used in males whose sexual behavior is deemed dangerous to others.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a type of therapy for various behavioral disorders that combines medication and therapy to treat maladaptive behaviors that may not respond to therapy alone. MAT is a comprehensive approach in treating many types of addiction and mental health diagnosis.
Examples of conditions that MAT can be successful in treating include Opioid Use Disorder, Gambling Addiction and Porn Addiction. Medication can be used to help treat withdrawal symptoms when someone abstains from substances to support their journey to recovery by curbing cravings and preventing relapse. MAT can be utilized in both inpatient and outpatient settings depending on an individual's severity of symptoms and personal needs.
Signs and Symptoms of Sex Addiction
There are certain behaviors that may indicate someone has a sex addiction. Sex addiction can also be identified by evaluating the negative impact that one's sexual impulses have on their relationships, job, social life, mental and physical health.
Common signs of Sex Addiction may include:
Repeated sexual fantasies, urges or behaviors that are intense and uncontrolled
Feelings of guilt or shame after engaging in compulsive sexual behaviors
Inability to reduce, stop or control sexual urges or behaviors
Sexual impulses are used as a coping mechanism for undesirable feelings, such as stress, anxiety, depression or loneliness.
Continuing to engage in sexual behavior regardless of the negative impact on relationships, work, mental or physical health.
Frequent mood swings, becoming defensive about your behaviors or isolating yourself so you can continue to engage in sexual behaviors.
Difficulty keeping and maintaining healthy romantic relationships
Engage in risky sexual behavior that may result in legal trouble or physical harm
Is Sex Addiction the hardest addiction to beat?
Sex Addiction is a particularly complicated and difficult addiction to overcome due to the complexity of the issue and the lack of formalized diagnostic tools to identify it. A report published by CBN News stated that sex addiction is the most difficult addiction to overcome.
In an interview with CBN, Dr. Doug Weiss explained how human sexuality is an intricate part of who someone is, unlike drugs or alcohol, which are external factors. When individuals use pleasure seeking behavior like sex to reduce the stressors of daily life, it can easily turn into a negative coping mechanism that has harmful impacts rather than a simple stress relief.
