Getting Help for Sex Addiction

1. GettingHelpforSexAddiction • Sex addiction is a serious issue. Many people may not realize they have a sex addiction until they try to stop behaviors that are starting to harm them and realize they can’t. For others, they may have known they had a problem for a while. If you are concerned about your sexual behavior,you may need help for sex addiction. • WhatisSexAddiction? • Sex addiction is compulsive sexual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that consume a person’s life. Sex addiction is a hypersexuality disorder that causes people to be unable to function regularly because they are so preoccupied with sexual urges. When they realize how their behaviornegatively affects them, they try to stop but can’t. • Signsofsexaddictioninclude: • Non-intimateand/orriskysexwithstrangersorsexworkers • Negativeemotionsaboutbehaviorsandinabilitytocontrolurges • Avoiding socialactivitiesanddailyresponsibilitiesforsex • Thinkingaboutsexseeminglynonstop • Lowself-esteem • Defensiveness • Isolationandaversiontointimacy • Lackofempathy • Seekingoutmoreorriskiersexualexperiences

2. The causes of sex addiction can vary widely, but itis typically rooted in unresolved trauma such as childhood sexual abuse or other physical or emotional abuse. People use sex to deal with adverse emotions resulting from this trauma. When they realize that sex makes them feel better, eventemporarily, they repeat the behavior and an addiction forms. • GettingHelpforSexAddiction • Sex addiction is unlikely to go away without support. You’ll probably need to seek help from a mentalhealth professional. • “The most critical first step in getting help for sex addiction is for the person to recognize that they have a sex addiction, how it’saffecting them and those they love,and be ready to commit totreatment,” said Matt Wenger, Clinical Director at Boulder Recovery. • “They have to be committed,” he said. “The outcomes depend on what you want when you come in. You’re going to get out of it exactly what you want to get out of it.” • Once a person decides they’re ready to commit to treatment and recovery, they should look for trauma-informedtreatmentsince trauma isthe root causeofmost sex addiction. • Matt also said that intensives, like the 14-Day Christian Men’s Intensiveat Boulder Recovery, workwell to give youa running start at recoverybecause you’re focused on doingthe work. • “There’s no distractions.Your onlything to do isto be in thiswork,” he said. “Youdon’t have to thinkabout what’s happening in the world.” • HowDoYouDealwithHypersexuality? • Ifyou’re experiencing sexaddiction, it’s important toknow that you’re notalone.An estimated • % of the U.S. population is thought to have a sex addiction. It’s also important to understand thatthere are many ways to help yourself duringrecovery. • To fight sex addiction: • Recognize Your Triggers. When you know your triggers, you can better avoid them untilyou get the tools to cope withthem. • Practice Breakwork and Meditation. Meditation and other forms of breathwork can help you stay grounded in your current reality and keep your hypersexual thoughts at bay. • Comply with Your Treatment Plan. Work with a mental health professional to determinea treatment planthat works bestfor you, thenstick to the plan.

3. Find Alternative Outlets. Find other, healthier outlets to consume your time. These mightinclude Bible study, exercise, or participatingin ahobby. • Deepen Your Understanding of Sex Addiction. Knowledge is power. Understanding sex addiction, including its causes and how the brain responds to that root trauma resultingin addiction is helpful to healing. • TypesofHelpforSexAddiction • While many people have sex addictions, treatment is not one-size-fits-all. There are various treatment approaches. You can work with a mental health professional to determine which treatmentoption or mix that's best for you. • Sexaddictiontreatmentsinclude: • Inpatient Programs. An inpatient program is a treatment program that requires you to live at the treatment center for some time. This type of program helps remove environmentsand any triggers causing you toact out, so you can focuson recovery. • Outpatient Programs. An outpatient program offers support through therapy, group counseling, or classes. Outpatient programs typically require weekly visits with a therapistor counselor and participationin support groups. • Group Meetings. These are ideal for peer support while in recovery. Who better understandsyourparticular challengesthan thosewho alsoare inrecovery? • Intensives. An intensive is like an inpatient treatment program but for a set, short time. It allowsyou to be steepedin treatment and helps jump-startyour recovery. • HelpatBoulderRecovery • If you need help for sex addiction, pornography addiction, or another intimacy disorder and want to heal in a faith-based environment, Boulder Recovery is here to help. We offer a 14-Day Christian Men’s Intensiveto help launch your recovery and renew your faith. Contact usto learn moreabout our program. • Source:https://beginagaininstitute.com/christian/getting-help-for-sex-addiction/