WHAT IS SEX ADDICTION?
Sex addiction also known as sexual dependency, hypersexuality and compulsive sexual behaviour is a compulsive need to perform sexual acts to achieve the kind of “fix” that an alcoholic gets from a drink and an addict gets from a drug. The addiction may include a compulsive need to masturbate, view pornography, or be in sexually stimulating situations. Sex addiction can be toxic to your sexual life. Like all other types of addiction, sex is good, but sex addiction is unhealthy.
ARE YOU ADDICTED TO SEX?
A sex addict is typically someone who has compulsive sexual thoughts and acts and appears to have no control over these impulses. Most addicts become skilled at hiding their behaviour and can even keep the addiction secret from spouses, partners, and family members. It’s difficult to tell if someone is an addict from the outside, but sometimes symptoms are present and noticeable.
A person might have a sex addiction if they show some or all of the following signs; chronic obsessive sexual thoughts, and fantasies. Also, having multiple sexual partners, including strangers and lying to cover their addiction. Furthermore, having sex even when it interferes with daily life, work performance and inability to stop or control sex thoughts. Engaging in illegal sexual activity with prostitutes or minors and feeling remorse or guilt after having sex.
Sex addiction can be hard to diagnose, and it’s important to remember that enjoying sexual activity does not make one a sex addict. Sometimes, sexual interest may be discordant between members of a couple, and this does not mean that one is a sex addict.
CURE OF SEX ADDICTION!
Sex addiction is a disorder and can change a person in many ways. The treatment for sex addiction is different from other types as we cannot require the addict to give up sex for the rest of his or her life. Healthy sex life is a natural part of life. Treatment for sex addiction includes sessions with a sex therapist, support group and cognitive behavioural therapy.
SEX THERAPIST TREATMENT PROGRAMME
They offer sex addict recovery programs for at least a month to help them regain control of their impulses and start healing. These types of programs typically include in-depth individual and group therapy sessions.
SUPPORT GROUP
Programs such as sex addicts anonymous (SA) follow the same recovery model as alcoholics anonymous (AA). The programme can be helpful for sex addicts. Members are not required to give up sex entirely, but they are encouraged to refrain from compulsive and destructive sexual behaviour. Group meetings with other sex addicts provide a good support system.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY
This type of therapy can help a sex addict identify triggers for sexual impulses and ultimately teach them how to cope with behavioural changes, and This is possible in one-on-one sessions with a licensed mental health therapist.
If sex addiction is left untreated, sex addicts will continue to engage in risky behaviours, which may put their health and the health of their partner(s) at risk through unprotected sex. If they are married or in a relationship, they could transmit sexually transmitted diseases to their partner. During the recovery process, a sex addict may experience relapses. However, these relapses are natural, and relapses will occur less often
If you’re addicted to sex, don’t be shy and seek help! Healthcare professionals are there to help you, and they need not judge you!
