Highlights
- Experts call sexual addiction a compulsive sexual behavior disorder.
- Engaging in frequent sexual activities doesn’t necessarily mean you have an addiction.
- Sexual addiction self-help resources include online support groups, books, and self-paced programs.
- If you’re losing control of your life due to a sexual addiction, find professional help.
It’s scary to realise you may have a sexual addiction, but don’t lose hope. With the right resources you can combat destructive habits and return to healthy sexuality. Find the best sexual addiction self-help resources and take back control of your life.
What’s Sexual Addiction?
Sexual addiction is different from other types of dependence. There’s no physical substance, such as alcohol or drugs, that our body and mind craves. Experts have been debating for years whether sexual compulsion is a true addiction and what criteria we should use to diagnose it.
Most doctors and therapists prefer to use the term “compulsive sexual behavior disorder.” The World Health Organisation defines it as a “persistent pattern of failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges resulting in repetitive sexual behaviour.”
It’s possible that you have a sexual addiction if you’re so focused on certain sexual activities that you neglect your personal obligations, relationships, or work or put your safety at risk.
If unhealthy patterns continue for more than six months, it’s time to take a good look at your sexual habits.
Is This Really a Sexual Addiction?
Many psychologists believe that only you can decide if you have a sexual addiction or not. But things get a bit complicated for people who come from a strict background.
The Influence of Moral Judgment
For example, if you’ve been raised to believe that all sexual activity outside a heterosexual marriage is sinful, you may feel that something as common as masturbation is already a sign of a disorder. That’s why it’s good to talk to a mental health professional who can help you make sense of your situation.
Other Mental Health Problems
Sometimes uncontrollable sexual urges result from a mental health issue. Here are some common disorders linked to problematic sexual behaviors:
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Personality disorder
- Substance use
- Dementia
Can You Treat Sex Addiction Without Therapy?
If you’ve ever tried ditching an everyday habit, like drinking sugary sodas, you know how hard it is on your own. It’s even more difficult with serious addictions because they are a way of coping with difficult things in life. They might be an attempt to beat anxiety or forget traumatic experiences from the past.
Addictions don’t happen overnight, and getting out also takes time. At an early stage, you may try to manage it with sexual addiction self-help resources.
Still, consider building a personal support system to help you through should things get worse. If you have at least one person you can trust, tell them about your struggle. Ask them to keep an eye on you and warn you when they notice your behaviors getting out of hand.
Finding Sexual Addiction Self-Help
Formal therapy isn’t the only option available to you. Here are some other ways to deal with a sexual addiction.
Online Support Groups
Online groups for people dealing with a sexual addiction are a good place to start your recovery journey. These groups help you feel less alone with your problems. They can also recommend reliable resources, such as books and audio programs.
The only thing to keep in mind is that some online groups are not science-based. Instead, they try to “treat” people who don’t really need treatment.
For example, certain religious communities offer treatment for homosexuality, but this is not a disease to be treated. Others believe that even moderate use of pornography and masturbation is bad for you — and that’s simply not accurate.
Other online groups exist only to try to sell you something. Always research a group carefully to get a feel for who their members are and what they promote.
Self-Help Books
If you prefer to hit a bookstore, you’ll find self-help guides written by psychologists. These books include step-by-step plans to help you understand sexual addiction and find your way out. Always look for resources written by licensed mental health practitioners.
Local support groups are a good halfway solution between formal therapy and self-help. The meetings are similar to AA programs, so you can stay anonymous. If you’re worried about privacy, consider attending meetings in another town or a big city.
Online Programs
Online courses offer low-cost or free solutions for people seeking help with addiction. For example, an interactive program for people struggling with problematic pornography use has shown promising results. You will need to be disciplined to see results with these self-paced programs. A well-designed course will help you track progress.
What You Need To Succeed
If you’re determined to deal with sexual addiction on your own, be prepared to devote lots of time and energy to healing. Remembering these tips will help you reach your goals:
- Have a clear plan and stick to it.
- Learn what triggers problematic behaviors.
- Be prepared for moments of doubt.
- Maintain a healthy mind and body.
Where To Seek Professional Help for Sex Addiction?
Sometimes sexual addiction self-help isn’t enough. If you feel you’ve lost control of your life and are hurting the people you love, this is the time to seek professional help.
A psychiatrist or sex therapist will be able to tell if you have a compulsive sexual behavior disorder or another mental health issue. They can then suggest the best treatment for you.
For some people, therapy is enough to combat sexual addiction and learn healthy ways of being intimate. Others may need medication, such as antidepressants, to recover. The most common therapy methods to treat sexual addiction are:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Psychodynamic therapy
Local and online communities can recommend a counselor in your area. These days, it’s possible to do online therapy, which gives you more privacy and flexibility.
Sexual Addiction and Your Health
Finding the right psychological support will help you get back control of your life. But a sexual addiction can have physical consequences, too. If you’ve engaged in unsafe sexual practices, get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Thankfully, there are treatments available, although some conditions (such as HIV or herpes) are lifelong. eDrugstore.com is your trusted online pharmacy, offering sexual health treatments with home delivery option. Learn more about it here.
Anka Grzywacz is a sexologist, reproductive health expert and Certified Sex Coach™. In her online practice she helps busy women and couples solve their intimate problems.