Sex addiction is real. Some people say that sex addiction is not real, that it is only an excuse for bad behavior. However, the truth is there is a big difference between someone who has many sexual partners and someone who feels they are unable to control their compulsions to have sex.
Sex Addiction is a Reality
There are many people facing the struggles of having a sex addiction and the problem is very real. An addiction to sex means a client cannot fight the urges to have sex, just as one would find it difficult to stop gambling in the case of gambling addiction (another process addiction). There are, of course, people who engage in risky sexual behavior, including having many sexual partners, but there is a great difference between the two.
Substance Abuse Treatment for Sex Addiction
The good news is that sex addiction may be treated effectively with the tried-and-true treatment methods of substance abuse treatment programs. The main treatment method, psychotherapy, helps clients work through their experiences and emotions in therapy sessions in order to uncover the hidden personal causes of their addiction. Uncovering these sources, through deep personal insights and moments of clarity referred to as breakthroughs, helps clients to build strong foundations for sex addiction recovery. Psychotherapy sessions include one-on-one, group, family and cognitive behavioral therapy (therapy using thoughts to have an impact on behavior).
Other substance abuse treatment methods relevant for sex addiction clients include lifestyle counseling, stress management, support group meetings and relapse prevention strategies. Lifestyle counseling guides clients to shape their lives in manners conducive to healthy and recovered living. Lifestyle considerations can have very significant effects on the recovery process so it’s necessary to respond accordingly. Stress can be a major trigger for giving in to sex addiction, making stress management counseling a highly-effective treatment offering. Clients learn how to manage their stress levels through such efforts as diet and exercise, yoga, meditation, breathing exercises and others. Support group meetings allow sex addiction clients to be able to share valuable mutual support with their sex addiction peers. Clients realize that they are not alone in their struggles and there are other people having similar experiences who are also working hard to maintain a successful recovery. Finally, clients learn how to create and maintain relapse prevention strategies. These are specific, step-by-step plans of action for avoiding harmful triggers that could set off a relapse. Relapse prevention strategies are meant to be used each day in order to keep an active recovery.
If you or someone you love is having problems with alcohol abuse, chemical dependency or addiction, recovery from a drug abuse program, like the one at Destination Hope, may be the answer. Remember that recovery from addiction and alcohol abuse treatment means learning how to cope with intensely emotional situations, and identifying when you need help and support. Treatment for addiction relapse, counseling, and aftercare can help you do this, so please call us today. Destination Hope is a full-service addiction and health treatment facility in Florida for men and women who suffer from substance abuse and behavioral health issues.
