Is Sex the Hardest Addiction to Overcome? Experts Weigh In
Author:
Jonathan
Published:
Aug 24, 2024
,
01:53 p.m.
ET
Some experts claim sex addiction is harder than any other addiction to break. It can impact individuals worse than drug or alcohol addiction, according to a CBN News report. Sex addiction refers to compulsive sexual behavior, whether it applies to cheating, masturbation, pornography, fetishes, or other unhealthy behaviors.
Individuals who struggle with compulsive sexual behavior could be at risk for sexual addiction. The impacts of this behavioral addiction are felt in one's marriage, social network, finances, and career. See what experts have to say about the seriousness of this disorder.
How difficult is it to overcome sex addiction?
CBN News asked Dr. Doug Weiss about his thoughts about sex addiction. He spoke at a retreat in Rockaway, New Jersey. Dr. Weiss believes sex addiction is one of the hardest addictions to overcome.
"Sexual addiction is probably one of the hardest addictions to walk out of because it's part of who you are," Dr. Weiss told CBN News. "Drugs aren't a part of who you are. Alcohol isn't a part of who you are. [It's] something that you do. Sexuality is part of who you are."
Dr. Weiss believes that sex addiction can be just as deadly as other types of addiction. Compulsive sexual behavior can be "stronger than anything you can take." He shares a Christian perspective on sex addiction, which is different from most science-based experts and clinicians.
Sex addiction is a reward-seeking addiction. Most individuals seek pleasure as an escape from daily stress and emotional problems. Psychologist Dr. Harriet Garrod says the behavior turns into an addiction when it becomes so intense that it causes harm to the individual and their inner circle.
"Different activities and substances activate reward pathways in different ways, but they still activate those reward pathways," Dr. Garrod told the BBC. "There's no reason to believe sex doesn't work in the same way - it's just that we don't have enough evidence for it yet."
However, not all experts believe sex addiction is a real mental health condition. Sex therapist David Ley argues that the signs of sex addiction are symptoms of mood disorders. He says there is little evidence to support treatment for sex addiction.
"Equating sex or masturbation to alcohol and drugs is ludicrous. People addicted to alcohol can die from withdrawal," he added.
Certified sex addiction therapist Robert Weiss spoke to CNN about whether sex can be addicting. He compared it to the effects of alcoholism. According to Weiss, it's not just sex that's the issue.
"It's not about the kind of sex you have, who you have it with, or even how often you have it," Weiss explained to CNN. "We don't base the definition of alcoholism on the type of alcohol someone drinks. Like alcoholism, the sex addiction diagnosis is based on whether or not that individual's behavior repeatedly creates profound problems in crisis in their day-to-day life functioning."
Weiss referred to sex addiction as a process addiction. Some individuals get a rush from the anticipation of finding a casual hookup or pornography rather than the act itself.
How is “sex addiction” defined and diagnosed?
Sex addiction is referred to as compulsive sexual behavior or hypersexuality. It involves a preoccupation with sexual activities, behaviors, fantasies, or urges that are hard to control. Most people will feel sexual desire at some point in their lives, which is normal. However, sexual addiction is a behavioral addiction that can cause emotional distress and harm in one's life.
It can negatively impact one's career, relationships, and health. Sex addiction typically involves activities such as cybersex, infidelity, masturbation, phone sex, and pornography. But it's about more than exploring these activities. This addiction develops when your sexual activities and thoughts override your life.
There is still debate as to whether sex addiction should be classified as a mental health disorder. The American Psychiatric Association refuses to list hypersexual disorder in the DSM due to a lack of evidence and issues with labeling it as a disease or disorder.
Sex addiction warning signs
There are no specific criteria for sex addiction. The most common signs and symptoms associated with being a sex addict include:
An increased preoccupation with sex
Frequent use of pornographic materials and sexual services
Masturbating occurs several times per day
Spending a large amount of time on sexual activities
Engaging in reckless sexual activity, even if it's dangerous or goes against your personal beliefs
Engaging in sexual behavior despite the negative consequences for your life
What are the sex addiction treatment methods? Which are most effective?
Treatments for sex addiction include psychotherapy, medication, and self-help support groups. Most of these treatments are used together. Here's an explanation of each treatment in greater detail:
Medication
There's no FDA-approved medication for sex addiction. However, some medications can treat other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorder, mood disorder, personality disorder, and impulse control disorder. Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are typically prescribed first for sex addiction.
Anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics might also reduce sexual cravings. Naltrexone is one example of a drug that treats alcohol and opioid addiction. In recent studies, it has helped treat symptoms associated with sex addiction.
Self-Help Support Groups
Most support groups are modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, a 12-step program. The most popular self-help support groups include Sex Addicts Anonymous, Sexaholics Anonymous, and Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous.
Birches Health also offers support groups. One benefit of joining a support group is that it offers encouragement and motivation. You'll hear stories from other individuals who struggle with sex addiction. Being part of a support group could make you feel less alone.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy might include acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or motivational interviewing. It could be one or more of these techniques for an individualized approach. During the sessions, the individual will consult a mental health professional. They will identify the triggers of their sex addiction.
Psychotherapy is available to individuals, families, and couples. Virtual therapy might also be an option. This allows individuals to overcome sex addiction in the privacy and comfort of their own homes. Birches Health offers virtual treatment for sex addiction.
Birches Health has licensed clinicians who are specialized in treating this disorder. Recovery starts with an assessment, which will determine the severity of your addiction. A clinician will work with you to break the cycle and learn healthier coping strategies.
Here are some ways to get started with Birches Health:
You can also speak to the team at 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with Birches Health today.
