There is a lot of
information on movies, television shows, online and even in the media about
people, typically men, with sex addiction. While sex addiction is often used as
a way to explain behaviour that is socially unacceptable, it is also a very
real issue that men and women struggle with on a daily basis.
Sex addiction, just like
other types of addiction, is a compulsion to engage in specific types of
behaviours. It is not acting out on secret desires, it is about having compulsions
and behaviours that are outside of the ability of the individual to control. In
this way, it is just the same as the alcoholic who understands the dangers of
taking a first drink but does so anyway, not because he or she just wants to
taste the liquid, but because their brain, and their body, is driving them to
do so.
Sex addiction starts like
any other normal and socially acceptable behaviour such as eating, social
drinking or even enjoying some time at a casino. Then, as the individual
experiences pleasure in the brain through the behaviour, a pathway is created.
The brain wants to recreate this flood of "feel good" chemicals,
which creates a compulsion to act out in specific sexualised ways.
The Symptoms
At Philippe Jacquet &
Associates, individuals may come in for sex addiction treatment through the
support and encouragement of a spouse, partner or family member. In some cases,
the individual has experienced some type of loss or trauma due to the
behaviour, perhaps the loss of a job, the loss of a partner or even an arrest
or criminal charge.
The symptoms of sexual
addiction are very much like that of other types of addictive behaviours.
Individuals understand that what they are doing is negative and destructive, so
they try to hide their behaviour. Secretive use of the internet on computers
and mobile devices is often an initial sign.
Individuals with a sexual
addiction may escalate in their need to engage in specific types of sexual
behaviours. They may have difficulty in concentrating and focusing at work, in
being in a relationship and in managing other areas of the life. They may also
experience sexually transmitted diseases and may have difficulty in having an
intimate relationship with a partner.
Getting Help
The first step in getting
assistance with sexual addiction is to recognise and admit there is a problem.
More often than not, the individual is highly defensive and resistant, and the
first few sessions may be spent in simply talking to the individual about the
impact of the behaviour on daily life.
In future sessions, Philippe
Jacquet will develop a bespoke treatment plan. Using a holistic approach to
treatment, the individual can explore the root of the issues that are driving
the behaviour and then develop new, more effective was to move forward. In some
cases, the spouse or partner may come into the therapeutic process later,
helping the couple to strengthen their relationship during recovery.
For many people, childhood
trauma, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety and even stress can contribute to
addictions, including with sexual addiction. By addressing these issues, the
individual can change their thinking, allowing for a new and more effective
behaviour.
