Most people don’t think about relationships and sex addiction being possible. Sex is something that many couples enjoy together, but it is a challenging situation for anyone involved when it becomes an addiction. Sex addiction can mean that one partner is addicted to watching porn, or it may mean that they are continually craving sexual interactions with others while actively seeking them out. While some amount of this is normal for adults, sex addiction is destructive and dangerous.
If someone close to you is addicted to sexual interactions, an intervention may be necessary. Reach out to Southworth Associates today at 844.521.0523 to learn about our intervention options.
What Is Sex Addiction?
The ICD-10 criteria for sex addiction states that it is a compulsive need to perform sexual acts to get a “fix,” much like with any other kind of addiction. Sex addiction has the potential to:
- Negatively impact personal relationships
- Negatively impact your quality of life
- Harm your mental health
- Damage your physical health
- Negatively affect your safety
A person with sex addiction is likely to alter their life and activities to make sure that they can perform sexual acts several times daily. They may be unable to control these behaviors, even though they know that there are negative consequences as a result.
How Do You Heal Relationships After Sex Addiction?
Relationships and sex addiction often do not mix. However, it is possible to heal if the individual dealing with sex addiction is willing to seek sex addiction treatment.
The first step toward healing relationships is to seek the right kind of treatment for sex addiction. Common options include:
- Using medications, like certain antidepressants, which may alleviate the urges to perform sexual acts as often as before
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which may help the individual identify their triggers and teach them how to change their behaviors
- 12-step programs, which encourage individuals to recognize and avoid destructive sexual behaviors
After this, the patient’s family members or partners need to talk to them about how their addiction has impacted them. Many couples will go to relationship counseling, but they usually only do that after seeking individual therapy.
At that point, the spouse or partner, family members, or others must be clear about their feelings. At the same time, the individual with the addiction should be willing to admit that they have struggled and committed to correcting their behaviors in the future. Taking responsibility is a significant part of the healing process for everyone who is involved.
Additionally, certain kinds of therapy may be beneficial for partners and loved ones of a person with sex addiction.
With these programs, those who are living with or helping the patient may have the opportunity to work through their own feelings. They can also learn more about how to help their friend or loved one with this potentially dangerous behavioral addiction.
Sex Addiction Treatment Is Possible
Sex addiction treatment is possible. Though sex is more common and available than ever before, that doesn’t mean that anyone has to be trapped in a dangerous addiction. Whether you or someone you love is dealing with a behavioral addiction, help is available.
Contact Southworth Associates International
At Southworth Associates International, we help with interventions, family interventions, sober coaching, transportation to rehabilitation clinics, and so much more. We know that living with someone who has an addiction of any kind is challenging, but we are here to help you help them. Call us today to learn more about our services at 844.521.0523. Relationships and sex addiction may not coexist well, but with the right support, changes can be made that will make a difference in the lives of all those involved.
