Most adults enjoy sex and sexual activities, but when a person becomes addicted to these behaviors it is not merely an issue of pleasure. A person with sex addiction may seek out sex even when it interferes with his or her daily responsibilities and values, and can become obsessed with fantasies of sexual gratification.
Sex addiction therapy can include a combination of therapies to treat the underlying causes and triggers of this compulsive behavior. Treatment options may also include medications to reduce the symptoms of an anxiety or mood disorder that is linked to sex addiction.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The most common sex addiction treatment involves cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, which helps individuals learn to recognize and change self-defeating thoughts and behaviors. In addition, CBT can help patients develop healthier coping strategies for dealing with difficult situations or emotions.
Support Groups
There are several sex addiction support groups that provide a safe place to share one’s experiences with others who have similar struggles. While these groups are not a substitute for professional sex addiction treatment, they can be a valuable source of support.
In addition to the negative psychological consequences of sex addiction, these behaviors can lead to serious legal problems and health dangers. Engaging in promiscuous sex, for example, can cause the spread of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and human papilloma virus (HPV). In addition, people who surf pornographic websites on company computers may face demotion or unemployment.