Sex Addiction

Do I Have A Problem With Sex Addiction or Compulsive Sexual Behaviour?

Compulsive Sexual Behaviour/ Sex Addiction appears to be a highly controversial area among both the public and even with professionals. Until now Compulsive Sexual Behaviour/ Sex Addiction has sat outside any form of recognised mental health diagnosis, however, this is about to change in the forthcoming World Health Organisations International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) which has, for the first time, included compulsive sexual behaviour disorder (CSBD) as a mental health condition.

Here’s what the current proposal is likely to say: Compulsive sexual behaviour disorder is characterized by a persistent pattern of failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges resulting in repetitive sexual behaviour. Symptoms may include repetitive sexual activities becoming a central focus of the person’s life to the point of neglecting health and personal care or other interests, activities and responsibilities; numerous unsuccessful efforts to significantly reduce repetitive sexual behaviour; and continued repetitive sexual behaviour despite adverse consequences or deriving little or no satisfaction from it. The pattern of failure to control intense, sexual impulses or urges and resulting repetitive sexual behaviour is manifested over an extended period of time (e.g., 6 months or more), and causes marked distress or significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Distress that is entirely related to moral judgments and disapproval about sexual impulses, urges, or behaviours is not sufficient to meet this requirement

It should be noted however at this stage compulsive sexual behaviour disorder is being categorised as an impulse control disorder and not a behavioural addiction.

Compulsive sexual behaviour may encompass any single or multiple types of sexual behaviours such as compulsive masturbation, chemsex, compulsive use of pornography, having multiple ongoing affairs, exhibitionism, fetishes, risky or dangerous sexual practices, prostitution, anonymous sex, voyeurism, telephone sex, online sex or illegal sexual practices

For some sex addiction/compulsive sexual behaviour does not progress beyond compulsive masturbation or the extensive use of pornography. For others, compulsive sexual behaviour can involve a lot more.

Sex addiction/compulsive sexual behaviours are not simply about “having a lot of sex”.  They are behaviours that over a period of time will become compulsive, leading to physical and emotional damage both to the sufferer and to their family – in some situations, it will also impact on work.

In a similar way to alcohol and drug addiction, despite there being continued negative consequences, the behaviours will often continue, leaving the sufferer isolated, despairing and full of shame.

Causes of sex addiction/compulsive sexual behaviour can be complex and can develop due to factors that encompass all aspects of an individual’s life. These include biological factors such as genetics where an individual may have a genetic predisposition to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity or sensation seeking behaviour.

Psychological factors can also be a cause, through environmental factors including trauma via abuse or through issues relating to attachment.

Mental health factors can also come into play particularly with those diagnosed with bipolar disorders as those that have tendencies towards “manic” states are much more likely to engage in excessive or risky sexual behaviour.

Finally, there are social factors that can be based on relationship rejection and isolation, which drive an individual to seek inappropriate ways of being sexually gratified.

Sex Addiction Treatment at Strong Hope

Many clients that present with sexual compulsivity come to us with behaviours that include the misuse use of substances, in particular cocaine, GHB and mephedrone. This being the case these maladaptive practices will be addressed at the same time as we address the sexual compulsivity.

Our approach to sexual compulsivity is through a high-intensity psychological interventions (CBT, DBT and psychodynamic therapy), positive psychology, nutrition, sleep hygiene and exercise

For those clients choosing a 12-Step model of treatment, this will be delivered alongside access to external 12-Step meetings on the island.

Through the sex addiction/compulsive sexual behaviour programme, clients will look at the underlying causes of their behaviour, which may be related to a whole host of things including trauma and self-esteem issues. It is vital that these underlying issues are identified and addressed as they are key to relapse prevention.

We explore these through a range of talking and non-talking therapies so that clients understand why they do the things that they do but equally importantly then learn new skills and coping strategies to do things differently in order to negate the chances of returning to sexual compulsivity. This we do through individual 1:1 work and group work for those that have chosen this modality.

One aspect of our programme that is key to recovery is for clients to see the importance of experiencing personal pleasures and joy outside of sex or sexual acts. This we do through our adventure therapy, using the natural resources that the island has to offer.

All clients work to a daily schedule that is tailored for the individual in relation to their treatment plan and consists of a balanced programme of psychotherapy, complementary therapies, adventure therapy, health/nutrition and fitness. Clients will be expected to work on therapeutic assignments based on issues that are identified as part of their treatment, which they do outside of the core face-to-face hours and present these in their sessions with their therapist. As clients come to the end of their treatment they will work with their primary therapist and therapy team to produce a relapse prevention plan, which Strong Hope will support through the aftercare programme that we offer.

Each client will have an experienced and fully trained primary therapist who is an expert in dealing with sexual compulsivity, and this therapist will support and coach them throughout their stay even though the client may engage with other members of the therapy team according to need.

Programme Duration

Strong Hope offers a range of sex addiction/compulsive sexual behaviour programmes from just 14 days up to 42 days depending on client availability and need. For partners, it can be traumatising to discover a loved one’s sexually compulsive behaviour; it often leads to anger, hurt and intense feelings of betrayal. Our couples/family programme will offer support, which is sensitive, and a space for partners to safely explore the impacts on themselves of their partners’ sexually compulsive behaviours. The couples/family programme is inclusive for all clients staying 28 days or more and is delivered towards the end of the client’s stay.