Addiction is not limited to a physical substance that a person ingests. In some instances, addiction can stem from a physical and emotional desire, such as sex addiction. If you have a loved one who has started to lead a double life of sex addiction, LifeLine Intervention can help. By understanding how sex addiction controls your loved ones and how they feel because of it, you can provide them with the love and care they need to not only seek treatment but refrain from it in the future.
Sex Addiction Definition
Sex addiction typically involves an individual constantly obsessed with sex and perhaps a person who even has an overactive sex drive themselves. Thoughts of sex will disrupt their daily lives and even make it difficult for them to participate in a healthy, long-term relationship. Most sex addicts have a distorted way of thinking and will make multiple excuses for their behavior. Long-term sex addicts, their behaviors will typically turn risky and include unprotected sex, high-risk sexual activity, and perhaps even drug use.
Sex Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Sex addiction is a lot more common than a person would think. While sometimes it is difficult to recognize a sex addict, those with severe addictions will exhibit signs and symptoms that can include:
- Compulsive masturbation and self-stimulation
- Extramarital affairs
- Multiple sex partners
- Consistent pornography viewing and use
- High-risk sexual behavior (such as unprotected sex)
- Voyeurism
- Lack of sexual gratification even after performing sexual acts
- Obsession with sex
- Intense feelings of guilt or shame after a sexual encounter
Sex Addiction Intervention
Intervention for sex addiction is not all that different from a person who is abusing a substance. It involves letting the individual know that you are there for them, that you understand their compulsion, and that you want to help them overcome it. By providing an understanding, comfortable and loving environment, most sex addiction interventions are successful in encouraging the individual to seek treatment. Most sex addicts, already have an intense level of guilt and shame for their compulsion; therefore, providing them with an outlet and option for treatment may be all they require to get help.
Sex Addiction Treatments
Most sex addicts live a life of denial. Once an individual admits they have a problem they will force themselves to get help. Unfortunately, in most cases, these individuals will not admit they have a problem until they have lost their job, a spouse, or even suffered a health crisis because of their sexual addiction and behavior.
Sex addiction treatment involves understanding the underlying causes of the addiction and controlling the addictive behavior behind the addiction itself. Healthy sexuality is usually at the core of these treatments and the individual will often be encouraged to enter into a support group where they can learn about compulsive sexual behavior from others. In extreme cases, your loved one may be put on certain medications to help control the anxiety and depression associated with sex addiction, which will help lower their compulsion.
If you are ready to get your loved one the assistance they need with sex addiction, contact the professionals at LifeLine Intervention today by calling 866-384-8411 now. A representative is waiting to help you and your family through the intervention and treatment process so that your loved one can stop the shame and guilt and get on start making healthy, long-term relationships.
