Rehab for Sex Addiction
Do you spend a lot of time thinking about or satisfying your sexual urges? Is it disrupting your day-to-day life to the point of affecting your relationships? If yes, you’re suffering from sex addiction, also known as compulsive sexual behavior.
Many sex addicts confuse their behavior with having a high libido. They may even believe that they can control their symptoms.
The truth is that they can’t manage it on their own as it’s a deep-rooted craving for the reward of sex that induces an urge or impulse to engage in it.
This article discusses rehab for sex addiction.
But first,
Do you want to take control of your life and shun drug and alcohol addiction? Consider Rehab in Tucson today.
When Should a Sex Addict Go to Rehab
Rehab is necessary when the addiction causes significant problems at home, school, or work. It’s a severe problem when it presents itself with the following symptoms.
- Challenges in controlling sexual thoughts and urges
- Feeling irritated when prevented from doing sexual activities
- Continuous engagement in sexual behavior that risks your physical health
- Problem with masturbation and watching adult films frequently
- Neglecting your work or relationships so that you can satisfy your sexual urges
- Chronic lying to cover up your sexual behaviors
- Having multiple sexual partners, even with people that you don’t know
How Rehab Treats Sex Addiction
Though the World Health Organization classifies sex addiction as a mental health disorder, the American Psychiatric Association doesn’t list it in the DSM-5. It presents a challenge with proper diagnosis and treatment.
Here are ways to treat sex addiction:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – It involves unlearning negative thoughts that cause compulsive sexual behavior. Through a system of techniques, a psychologist or psychiatrist helps the individual to learn new ways of thinking that help them reduce excessive sexual behavior.
- Group therapy – Sexual addicts sit together under the guidance of a mental health professional and discuss their common affliction and goals. It’s an effective strategy, as it helps addicts to seek broader perspectives on sexual addiction and how they can better manage it.
- Couples Counseling – The most affected parties with sexual addiction are intimate partners. Couples counseling seeks to involve the addict’s partner in their treatment plan to get the support of a loved one, which helps in recovery.
- Medication – Mental health professionals may use the medication in addition to psychotherapy. The medicines help to reduce the production of certain hormones that facilitate sexual urges. For example, they may use anti-androgens or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
How Long Does It Take To Treat a Sex Addict in Rehab
Treatment duration may vary between people, but normally takes one to three years. It depends on factors such as;
- Willingness to change, which must first begin with acceptance of the problem.
- The effort that the addict will put into their treatment plan
- The ability of the mental health professional to identify the underlying cause and triggers of the addiction
It’s important to note that addicts still need care and support from family and friends even after getting out of rehab to avoid relapse.
Why Rehab Is Good for Sex Addiction
The social stigma associated with sex addiction may discourage individuals from seeking help. Rehabilitation facilities are suitable for sex addicts because they provide a safe space to get better.
Rehabs also have the advantage of having skilled professionals who employ research-based methods to treat your affliction.