By: Carol Juergensen Sheets, LCSW, PCC, CSAT
People oftentimes “scoff” at the notion that one can have a sexual addiction. They understandably feel that sexual misbehavior results from a society that believes in immediate gratification. Most people don’t understand sexual addiction and have no idea that people who suffer from this disorder cannot stop on their own.
What Is Sex Addiction?
Hyper-sexuality or sexual addiction is a condition where people partake in sexual behaviors that are both compulsive and obsessive. People with this disorder have tried numerous times to stop the behavior. Still, they return to chronic affairs, one-night stands, compulsive pornography, exhibitionism, voyeurism, prostitution, and other out-of-control sexual behaviors. These actions interfere with their normal routines, and despite the consequences, they continue to take the risks. The condition progresses and gets worse with time until a crisis of some sort occurs.
Working with Sex Addicts
I’ve met with many clients who have logged on to porn at work, even though if they get caught, it will mean automatic termination. I’ve worked with women who have experienced sexually transmitted diseases resulting in divorce. It is not uncommon for a sex addict to be sexually anorexic with her husband. Hence, it is frequently an automatic message to the husband that there was infidelity in the marriage.
I’ve treated men who needed drugs to be able to engage in sex with prostitutes. One man explained that he had been beaten and robbed several times when returning to the neighborhood, which ensured a sexual encounter. The crazy thing is that his compulsion was so strong that he kept returning. This man taught at a large university and had been recognized many times for his academic achievements, but he could not refrain from his ongoing use of prostitution.
Sex Addiction Recovery
Sexual addiction is considered a process addiction and will not go into remission without the support of a treatment regimen that addresses the physical, emotional, intellectual, psychological, and spiritual components of the addict. It, like all other addictions, requires that you work with a certified addictions specialist (CSAT-Certified Sexual Addictions Therapist), be infrequent and regular 12-step meetings for sex addicts, have a sponsor, work the steps quickly, and identify healthy behaviors that will fortify and strengthen the addict’s recovery.
Many times recovery can be enhanced if the addict participates in a treatment program that allows them to do psychological work that has contributed to the need to medicate with sex. When clients have experienced trauma in their childhood, they may need the safety of a residential setting to get to the source of psychological pain. I believe residential treatment allows the client to focus on his/her life in a difficult way if one is trying to juggle one’s daily routine.
If you think that your sexual acting out is resulting in more secrets, lies, excuses, and problems, I would encourage you to talk to a professional who will help you assess what options are out there for you. Once you admit that this is something you can no longer handle on your own, you must realize that you need to do what it takes to get healthy and resume a normal life.
Suppose you’re lying to your spouse or unable to get through a day without “acting out” and hiding your behaviors. In that case, you are likely getting involved in increasingly riskier behaviors that will only worsen over time. There is help out there, but you can’t do it alone. I know that the fear of addressing your addiction comes with much shame, but truly you can overcome these behaviors and become the person you want to be!
Admitting that you have a problem is the first step to following your gut and letting someone know who is experienced in this difficult problem. Learn how to be authentic and transparent and feel the relief of getting the support you deserve.
Carol Juergensen Sheets, LCSW, PCC, CSAT, is currently in private practice in Indianapolis, IN. She speaks nationally on mental health issues and is featured in several local magazines. She currently has an internet radio show on www.blogtalkradio.com/sexhelpwithcarolthecoach and does regular television segments focusing on life skills to improve one’s potential. You can read her blogs at www.carolthecoach.com. To contact Carol about sexual addiction: www.sexhelpwithcarolthecoach.com.