Getting Help for Sexual Addiction

Treating sexual addiction differs in one way from the treatment of other addictions.  A positive outcome for alcohol, drug or gambling addictions would be abstinence.  The therapeutic goal for a sex addict is abstinence just from the compulsive behavior with a coexisting goal of adapting and integrating healthy sexuality into the person’s life.

Inpatient—treatment centers usually recommend several weeks of inpatient treatment.  This provides a safe and controlled environment.  It also allows an opportunity to integrate work with the spouse at some point.

12-step programs—this program of Alcoholics Anonymous has been adapted for use with sexual addiction as well as a variety of other addictions and eating disorders. Many inpatient programs use this model.  There are also follow-up meetings that can be attended just as for alcoholics (AA) or substance abusers (NA).

Interpersonal therapy—people addicted to sex often have significant emotional baggage from their early lives which can be “unpacked” through therapy.

Medication—recent research suggests that antidepressants may be useful in treating sexual addiction by treating mood symptoms or reduction obsessions.

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