Sex Addiction Treatment Works

Sex addiction treatment is similar to other obsessive/compulsive behavior.

Often stress is a trigger to resort to compulsive behavior and in this addiction, it feeds the need to withdraw and fantasize.

Sex addicts my be dependent upon the physical and psychological arousal triggered by levels of phenylethylamine (PEA) a brain chemical involved in euphoria and excitement and other stress-related neurotransmitters.

Love and sex addicts may be dependent on the physical and psychological arousal triggered by PEA and stress related neurotransmitters.

The sex addiction usually comes in stages:

1) Preoccupation: there are fantasies about partners or situations which can trigger the act.

2) Rituals: a preferred sexual activity or situation is often stereotyped and repetitive

3) Compulsion: engaging in the activity regardless of negative consequences and desire to stop.

4) Despair: guilt, shame or remorse over inability to control the behavior.

5) Other behavioral problems can be involved ex. chemical dependency and eating disorders. Sex Addiction

The first thing to do is recognize that you are out of control with this addiction and that you need help. You have to take a hard look at yourself and the emotional, physical or financial stresses in your life.

Treatment involves education about healthy sexuality as well as controlling the addictive behavior. If you are with a partner, it may be beneficial to include the partner in therapy. Cognitive Therapy works for sex addiction therapy

12-step programs, and support groups are also helpful for sex addiction recovery. And if the problem does not involve illegal activities ex. obscene phone calls or molestation (sex addicts don't necessarily become sex offenders) Then, you may be helped by recovery coaching Your thoughts effect they way you behave, so in sex addiction treatment, you learn to change your negativity so you can live a more powerful and productive life.

Sex addicts can be linked to computer addiction

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Sources: North City Psychological Group, San Diego, CAJames, J. Addicted to Love: Sex, Love and Compulsion: Do It Now Foundation.