Sex is an important part of a balanced lifestyle. But for some people, sex becomes an obsession that negatively affects social, physical, and behavioral aspects of their lives. Sex addiction or compulsive sexual behavior is the term for this disorder. The addiction manifests itself in several symptoms:

• Sexual impulses that feel beyond one’s control
• Sexual behavior is used as a form of escape from negative feelings and problems like stress, depression, or loneliness
• Participating in risky sexual acts that lead to dangerous consequences such as giving or acquiring a sexually transmitted disease, or acts that can risk one’s personal and professional relationships
• Being unable to have and maintain emotional intimacy in a relationship

Sex addiction is indicated specifically in individuals who have extramarital affairs or multiple sexual partners. It is also exhibited in those who avoid emotional intimacy and engage in too much masturbation. Addiction can also extend to excessive use of online pornography or spending long hours talking sexually explicit on the phone.

It is crucial that individuals with sex addiction seek professional help. Without someone to control your desires, the intensity of the impulse cannot be properly controlled. The desire to stop these impulses is not enough as an addiction is defined by very powerful urges.

Causes of Sexual Addiction

Sex addiction can be caused by several chemical imbalances. High levels of dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and oxytocin may cause the addiction since these regulate a person's mood. The imbalance could also be in an individual’s sex hormones. Other causes include health conditions that affect the brain, such as epilepsy, dementia, and Huntington’s disease.

Treatment Options

Individual Psychotherapy and 12 step group therapy are typically used to treat sex addiction. Approaching a professional for psychotherapy or an assessment may feel embarrassing at first, but is an essential first step.

Group therapy is also available since other individuals suffer from the same condition (SAA, SA, etc.).  Apart from group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy are part of the treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy identifies negative behaviors and replaces them with positive and healthy ones. Family therapy may also be needed so that your close relations will understand the situation. Marriage counselling is also done for married addicts.

How Insight can Help

Insight is pleased to offer our Edmonton and Calgary clients extensive experience in the field of sexual addictions, including a certified (Diplomate) Sex Therapist/Supervisor, Clinical Sexologists, and therapists who use the Patrick Carnes model for working with sexual addiction.

Insight's Counsellors that can help: