1. Consult a Psychotherapist
Sex addicts are obsessed with sex and experience uncontrollable urges to engage in sexual activity despite potentially negative consequences. Whether sexual addiction is caused by physiological factors, psychological factors or a combination of both is not yet known. However, history of physical or sexual abuse is common among sex addicts. These people often have complicated sexual histories and have experienced years of acting out inappropriate sexual behaviors which often create feelings of intense guilt, low self-esteem and depression. Other psychological disorders, such as bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, are often present.
Psychotherapy treats the addiction and addresses any negative feelings and other related psychological problems. It's important to choose a therapist who has experience treating compulsive sexual behavior. You can receive specialized therapy for sex addiction individually or in a group setting, and both inpatient and outpatient programs are available. If your addiction is severe or poses a threat to you or others, inpatient therapy is recommended at the beginning.
2. Seek Help From Medications
Because so little is understood about how chemicals in the brain affect sexual addiction, there is no specific drug therapy for this condition. Some psychiatric drugs, however, can treat the psychological conditions associated with the addiction. Antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are often prescribed for sexual addiction, as depression is a common coexisting issue. Anti-anxiety medication and other mood stabilizers may be used. Some medications for sexual addiction block sexual urges. Anti-androgens, for example, inhibit the effects of sex hormones to prevent arousal. Naltrexone, traditionally used in drug and alcohol addiction, reduces cravings for addictive behaviors. While medications can facilitate recovery from sexual addiction, they should be used only in combination with counseling.
3. Attend Self-Help Group Meetings
Once you are recovering from sexual addiction and your mental health provider deems that it is appropriate, you may be referred to a self-help group to help prevent a relapse. Like Alcoholics Anonymous, these groups usually employ the 12-step program. Some groups you might explore include Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA), Sexaholics Anonymous (SA), and Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (S.L.A.A.). During the meetings, you can frankly discuss your addiction and receive support from other sufferers to help maintain your sexual sobriety.
