The Line Between a Healthy Sex Life & Sex Addiction
Published:
Aug 10, 2024
,
09:03 a.m.
ET
Updated:
Sep 10, 2024
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03:04 p.m.
ET
Addiction in general can cause a lack of trust in most relationships. However, sex addiction can negatively impact relationships more than substance abuse. Learning that your partner has had casual encounters or affairs can be traumatizing. Not only does it impact your emotional well-being, but also your physical health.
There's also the possibility of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. A sex addiction can change the course of one's relationship. Studies report that between 3% and 6% of adults in the U.S. struggle with sex addiction Finding out about your partner's addiction could end a relationship that was once built on love and trust.
But it's possible to have a healthy sexual life after sex addiction. It's also possible for individuals who are afraid of commitment or have trouble with emotional intimacy. This guide will dive into sex addiction and how it can impact a healthy sex life.
What is sex addiction?
Sex addiction is otherwise identified as compulsive sexual behavior. This serious condition can impact one’s profession and work. Even though it’s a behavioral disorder, it’s not recognized by the DSM-5. Because of this, it can be hard to categorize sex addiction.
One common symptom is hiding one’s sexual acts. Those who struggle with sex addiction tend to keep it a secret from their friends, family members, and partners. Sex addiction can cause a lack of trust and infidelity in some relationships. Despite what most experts think, sex addiction is a real problem.
Warning signs: Crossing the line into sex addiction
The signs of sex addiction aren’t as obvious as those of other behavioral addictions. Individuals who struggle with compulsive sexual urges might also exhibit the following signs:
Obsessive sexual thoughts
Impulsive sexual behavior
Lack of impulse control
Experience guilt or shame after sex
Hiding sexual behavior
Lying about relationships and whereabouts
Sexual obsession disrupts daily functioning and responsibilities
Compulsive sexual behavior is referred to as hypersexuality or hypersexual disorder. Many people enjoy sex. But it’s those thoughts and urges that can be hard to control. This pattern of sex addiction can be debilitating on one’s life, health, and relationships. Scientists who have studied sex addiction can’t determine the exact cause.
Sex addiction can be the result of many factors. Frontal lesions caused by damage, surgery, or injury are said to cause hypersexualitiy in some individuals, according to one study. It could be caused by a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, or dementia. Medications prescribed to treat these conditions can also increase hypersexuality. For example, levodopa is used as a dopamine agent that’s commonly used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Sex addiction is also related to alcoholism or substance abuse. Other factors that contribute to this disorder are anxiety, depression, frustration, loneliness, and low self-esteem. A study from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Monastir in Tunisia found these to be the causes and effects of sex addiction.
How sex addiction is diagnosed
Since sex addiction isn’t recognized by the DSM-5, it can be hard to diagnose the condition. In this case, it can be hard to diagnose this condition. However, if you find that you are struggling with compulsive sexual urges, you can speak with a doctor or a mental health professional. You will undergo a psychological evaluation.
During this time, the doctor will learn about your compulsive behavior, mental health, physical health, history of substance use, family and relationships, and any other issues caused by your compulsive sexual urges. If they find that the signs are severe, you'll be diagnosed with sexual addiction.
Treatment options for sex addiction
After receiving a diagnosis, you will receive treatment for sex addiction. The doctor or mental health professional will seek to identify the underlying causes of your particular disorder. This means finding out the triggers that cause your compulsive sexual urges.
According to Verywell Mind, sex addiction is typically treated with psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy where the individual determines the behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that lead to a pattern of addiction. Certain medications might also be prescribed to treat the severity of the symptoms the individual might struggle with.
Treatment can take place at a treatment center or at home. Virtual treatment has the advantage of allowing you to focus on recovery in the comfort of your own home. Birches Health offers virtual treatment via phone, chat, or video message. You’ll work with a licensed clinician who is skilled and trained in treating sex addiction.
There are some different options for taking the first step with Birches Health:
You can email hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with the Birches team right away.
The sex addiction recovery process explained
The sex addiction recovery process varies for each individual. It depends on the severity of their condition. Not everyone will go through the same stages of recovery. Individuals might have different definitions of what they deem "recovery."
Studies have shown that individuals who struggle with compulsive sexual behaviors have similar recovery stages. Here are the most common stages that an addict will go through during the addiction process:
Initial stage (0–3 months):
The first stage starts with an evaluation. The doctor will assess the medical history of the addict to determine a suitable course of treatment. The individual is also advised to abstain from sexual behaviors or remove triggers from their environment. They will learn about sex addiction, including its impacts on life and relationships.
Onslaught Recovery (3-6 months):
Therapy can occur individually or in a group setting. The individual will learn the cause behind their sex addiction and how to use healthier coping strategies. The individual might experience feelings of despair or hopelessness. However, some might be relieved to get help for their condition.
Ongoing Recovery (6–12 months):
During this stage, the individual will work to repair their damaged relationships. This might involve marriage counseling or family counseling. A relapse might also occur during this stage. The individual will learn how to effectively communicate with others and relieve stress.
Maintenance (1 year and beyond):
The individual will learn to integrate their healthy coping and recovery life skills. They will continue to seek support for their sex addiction, which involves group or individual counseling. Their new lifestyle and self-care recovery plan will also guide them on the path of sobriety.
How prevalent is sex addiction in the USA?
Research on sex addiction in the United States is limited However, some studies found that sex addiction is more prevalent among men than women. The University of Minnesota reported 10% of men compared to 7% of women. Researchers need to find more information on sex addiction when it comes to studying men and women. The data tends to feed the stereotype that more men struggle with compulsive sexual urges.
Sources:
Sex Addiction Diagnosis And Treatment | J. Flowers Health
How Is Sex Addiction Treated? - Verywell Mind
Understanding and Managing Compulsive Sexual Behaviors
Diagnosis, Assessment, and Treatment of Hypersexuality
UMN Study Shows Compulsive Sexual Behavior is More Common than Originally Thought
