Sex addiction is a term used to describe someone exhibiting sexual compulsion that interferes with not only life responsibilities but may also cause work, relationships, or health issues. This form of addiction may also cause distress for more than just the addicted. Compulsive sexual behavior may also impact their sexual partners and loved ones. It is important to know when to seek sex addiction treatment and the benefits that such therapy brings to the situation.
Understanding Sexual Addictions
For anyone concerned about sex addiction and compulsive behaviors, it is best to know the signs of a sex addict. Some people may confuse addiction with a higher than the normal sex drive. However, you may also see symptoms and indicators that it is time to seek help for sex addiction.
What is Sex Addiction?
You will often find that various terms may get used interchangeably when referring to a sex addict. You may hear compulsive sexual behavior, hypersexuality, sexual addiction, and more. Hypersexuality is a term that means higher sex drive, and there is a big difference between that and addiction. Someone who has a high sex drive will not normally seek sex addiction treatment if no distress or issues stem from it.
However, sex addiction treatment programs are there for people who are facing negative effects to their life due to their sexual behavior. Sex addiction involves an unnatural preoccupation with sexual urges, behaviors, and fantasies that become difficult to control. The result is often distress, issues with relationships, problems that hinder your performance in work or school, and more. Some examples of those that may need sex addiction treatment are usually involved with high levels of compulsive masturbation, promiscuity, cybersex, and the use of pornography.
There are several ways that sex addiction may impact your life, relationships, self-esteem, and other areas of your life. Possible effects of this type of addiction usually include:
- Less productivity at home or work
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Financial issues
- Spending less time with family and friends
- Unwanted pregnancies
- Embarrassment and shame
- Anxiety, depression, or both
- Substance abuse
Some people may have immediate signs of sex addiction, while others will develop a problem over time. Without proper intervention from someone that knows how to treat sex addiction, it can become more problematic. The signs that you need to seek help with your sex-related addiction include:
- Loss of job or relationships
- Distress from sexual thoughts or behaviors
- Unable to control your sexual impulses
- Legal, financial, or physical issues from sexual activity
When it comes time to seek sex addiction treatment, you can find the support you need here at Off The Crooked Path. We offer various sexual addiction recovery services for individuals and families impacted by the behaviors listed. Our team understands the impact compulsive sexual behavior can have on individuals and their loved ones, so we have developed programs and healing treatments so that you can get the support to begin recovering. Give us a call at (312) 593-1711 or click here to schedule a consultation.
