Table of contents:
- Who is at risk for hypersexual conditions?
- What are the consequences if hypersexuality is not treated?
- How to deal with hypersexual conditions
- 1. Psychotherapy
- 2. Group therapy
- 3. Family and partner therapy
- 4. Medicines
Hypersexuality is a condition in which a person has an obsession with sex and has a very strong sexual drive. Other signs are not being able to achieve sexual satisfaction despite having a lot of sexual activity, unable to control sex drive (including excessive masturbation), frequent change of partners, having inappropriate and risky sexual behavior, perceiving sex as "Pain killer", and the increasing use of pornography.
Who is at risk for hypersexual conditions?
Hypersexuality can occur in both men and women, although it is more common in men. This hypersexual disorder can also affect anyone regardless of sexual orientation (whether heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual). Hypersexuality can occur in people who have:
- Alcohol or drug abuse problems
- Other mental health conditions such as mood disorders (depression or bipolar disorder), or gambling addiction
- History of physical or sexual abuse
What are the consequences if hypersexuality is not treated?
You need to know that hypersexuality can have many negative consequences that affect you and others, such as:
- Struggles with feelings of guilt, shame, and inferiority
- Depression, stress, and extreme anxiety
- Ruin relationships
- Has a lot of debt due to the purchase of pornography and sexual services
- Have a connection with HIV, hepatitis, or other sexually transmitted infections
Therefore, if you feel that you have hypersexuality, take the following steps to free yourself from the negative consequences that can have.
How to deal with hypersexual conditions
1. Psychotherapy
This is a very important part of any type of addiction treatment. Issues that will be discussed in this therapy session include identifying, changing negative thought patterns and limiting beliefs, dealing with internal conflicts, increasing self-insight and awareness, and looking at the relationship between your interpersonal problems and addictions.
2. Group therapy
Group therapy involves regular sessions with a small number of other sex addicts. This session is led by a therapist. This type of therapy is very beneficial, because each group member can support each other and learn from each other's experiences. It is also ideal for dealing with the excuses, justifications, and rejection that go hand in hand with addictive behaviors.
3. Family and partner therapy
Addictive behavior always has an impact on family and relatives. These therapy sessions give you the opportunity to deal with emotions, unresolved conflicts, and problematic behaviors. This session can strengthen your primary support system by helping those closest to you get a better understanding of your addiction.
4. Medicines
Medicines often play a major role in the treatment of hypersexual disorders. Some medications can help reduce compulsive behavior and obsessive thoughts, while others can target certain hormones associated with sex addiction or can reduce accompanying symptoms such as depression or anxiety.
- Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common type of antidepressant used to treat hypersexuality. SSRIs include drugs such as Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft. These drugs can help reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior. They also help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Antiandrogens: This medication can target the effects of androgens (sex hormones) in males and reduce sex drive. Antiandrogens are commonly used to treat male pedophiles.
- LHRH (Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone): This drug decreases the production of testosterone and helps control obsessive thoughts associated with sexual addiction.
- Mood stabilizer: Drugs in this category include Lithium and Depakote. Generally used to prevent manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder, this medication is effective in helping reduce intense sex drive.
- Naltrexone: This drug is often used to treat alcohol addiction and opioid dependence. As an opioid agonist, it works by targeting pleasure centers in the brain that are associated with certain types of addictive behavior.
It can be hard to find the courage to seek help, especially since it can feel quite embarrassing. Unfortunately, some sex addicts don't seek treatment until they reach the point when they are convicted of a sex offense or when family members and partners give ultimatums. If you suspect that you have hypersexuality, do not delay taking medication. You deserve to be happy and live a life that is no longer controlled by your addictions.
