How to Stop Sex Addiction: Treatments and Methods

 Sex addiction may be described as a compulsive need to perform sexual acts in order to achieve a certain level of satisfaction and to sate one’s need or “fix,” which may be compared to that of an alcoholic consuming alcohol, or a drug addict getting his fix from taking their drug of choice. In order to craft an answer on how to stop sex addiction, we must take a deeper look at its implications.

What is Sex Addiction?

Sex addiction, for some individuals, can be very dangerous at times, and cause situations that would damage healthy relationships Similar to other forms of addiction, if left unchecked, or if progressed to a point of marked severity, it has the capability to negatively impact a person’s quality of life.

It has been observed that a natural tendency for sex addicts, although at the same time not sufficient to prove a sign of the disorder itself, would seek to have sexual interactions with multiple partners, and would go as far as compulsively masturbating, viewing pornography, or getting themselves into any situation that would be sexually stimulating, regardless of the negative impacts they may have on one’s life and relationships.

A person diagnosed with sex addiction would drastically make life adjustments to meet their needs and desires. A sex addict would usually perform multiple sex acts within a day. They would also be unable to control behavior, despite efforts to learn how to stop sex addiction.

Symptoms of Sex Addiction

Listed below are a list of symptoms and effects that may be associated with sex addiction. Identifying these symptoms in themse particularly useful for individuals learning how to stop sex addiction.

• Chronic behavior exhibiting sexual thoughts and fantasies
• Compulsive behavior toward initiating sexual interactions with multiple partners and even strangers
• Manifestation of secrecy of behavior
• Prioritizing sexual actions over acts necessary for functioning in daily life, work, productivity, etc.
• Inability to mitigate, control and inhibit compulsive behaviors
• Post-coital tristesse (PCT) refers to feelings of sadness, guilt, anxiety, agitation, aggression, and similar emotions after having sex
• Total disregard of implied danger when performing sexual acts
• Being vulnerable to negative experiences associated with one’s personal or professional life

How to Stop Sex Addiction

Treatment for sex addiction or compulsive sexual behavior generally includes the application of medications, psychotherapy, and group interactions with similarly affected individuals.

If you are affected by sex addiction, and want to learn how to stop sex addiction, one avenue of treatment is to combat or treat any associated mental health conditions that usually coincide with sex addiction. This may range from problems like anxiety, depression, or similar conditions along the same line.

Going into detail about how to help yourself deal with sex addiction, listed below are some more details about psychotherapy and medications.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Also known as CBT, this is used to help identify negative, unhealthy, and dangerous behaviors and beliefs. After identification, methods are applied to help replace these habits, urges, and behavior with more adaptive and healthy habits.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – Otherwise regarded as another form of cognitive behavioral therapy, it emphasizes the acceptance of urges, desires, and thoughts. And then opts to combat the same with commitments that strategize improvement of behavior with realistic and consistent goals.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy – This is a type of therapy that focuses on helping patients access unconscious thoughts and behaviors. It thereby helps develop insights and resolves conflicts with habits that would otherwise not be seen clearly.

Medications

Mood Stabilizers – Generally used to treat conditions such as bipolar disorder. Alternatively, may also be used to help stabilize compulsive urges.

Antidepressants – Applied and designed for helping patients combat mental health conditions associated with sex addictions.

Anti-androgens – Medications classified as anti-androgens are utilized for reducing androgens in men. Androgens are sex hormones. As such, anti-androgen is used exclusively for men with compulsive sex behavior and has the tendency of creating danger for others.

Key Takeaways

In conclusion, though sex addiction in the world of research has not been solidly classified, it is a real and dangerous condition. Consult your doctor to help address any underlying conditions and for the best treatment plan for you.

Learn more about Sexual Wellness here. 

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