Sexual Addiction Counseling

What is Sexual Addiction?
Sexual addiction is a problem for a person who has persistent sexual arousal and is obsessive about sex to the point of it interfering with healthy relationships as well as the overall quality of their life. They suffer from compulsive thinking about sex, and for many with this disorder, may act on these thoughts. It can progress from seemingly harmless behaviors such as compulsive masturbation, obsessive use of pornography and sex services over the phone or internet (known as internet porn or “cybersex”).

The internet is becoming an increasingly destructive source of the addicts’ compulsive behavior. What starts out as innocent internet browsing can subtly pull in a person with addictive tendencies. Time spent on the internet visiting porn websites can become more frequent, and eventually become obsessive.

Sexual Addiction is an Increasing Problem
And since in today’s society it’s easy for a person to meet and date strangers and chat anonymously over the internet, these interactions can become effortless opportunities for sexual encounters for the sex addict. This anonymity is especially appealing because emotional detachment is a primary behavior of this desire disorder.

Sexual disorders are an escalating problem in many marriages and relationships, increasing the emotional injury to both partners as well as increasing the chances of sexual disease for the partner who is unaware of the extent of the sex disorder.

And although the excessive sexual encounters can emotionally damage the relationship of the addict with his or her partner, the person with a sex addiction has no emotional bond or feeling of intimacy with the outside or extramarital sex partner.

But true to the risk-taking nature of this disease, it can progress toward more dangerous behaviors such as unprotected sex and one-night stands with strangers or prostitutes (unsafe sex) and extra-marital affairs.

At its most extreme, the disorder can progress to more dangerous acts not only to themselves, but to others. It can manifest itself in voyeurism, molestation, exhibitionism, sexual harassment, stalking and rape - causing tremendous physical and emotional harm.

And as is the nature of addiction, sexual addicts usually deny that they have a problem and blame others for their actions. Sex is the “drug of choice” for this particular addict and it can have a negative effect on their personal and social relationships, finances, health, as well as their work.

Sexual Addiction Treatment
Treatment of sexual addiction focuses on helping the person develop a healthy sexuality with individual counseling, marital counseling, couples counseling or family therapy. Often the sex addict is frustrated and filled with anxiety because they may have tried to control the addiction without success. If you recognize yourself or a loved one here, a trained professional counselor can help. Sexual compulsion is also a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder and it helps to work with a therapist who is trained in all aspects of this addiction.

Montville Counseling Center also participates with Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling for addiction and disorders. An EAP is a benefit offered by some employers to their employees and their family members to help resolve personal issues with professional and confidential counseling services. Check to see if you are covered by your employer with this benefit.