Sex Addiction Treatment

How Common is Sex Addiction?

Hypersexuality appears to affect about 3% to 10% of the general U.S. population. It’s more common in men than women. For every two to five males with hypersexuality, one woman is affected. Sexual addiction begins, on average, at 18 years of age. Most individuals don’t reach out for professional help until age 37.

Many individuals (88%) have a history of other mental health conditions, too, including:

• Mood disorders, including bipolar disorder.
• Anxiety disorders.
• History of suicide attempts.
• Personality disorders.
• Other addictive disorders.
• Impulse control disorders.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

How do I know if I have a Sex Addiction?

Does your sexual behavior cause you distress or interfere with important areas of functioning? Do you:

• Lose sleep due to sexual thoughts or actions?
• Arrive late to work?
• Ignore obligations?
• Lie or keep secrets from family?
• Need more or more extreme sexual activities to achieve the same level of excitement or sexual relief?
• Does your sexual desire cause you to do sexual activities that involve people or places you wouldn’t ordinarily choose?
• Does pornography take up a great deal of your awake time?
• Does your sexual behavior cause you or could cause you legal problems or financial loss?
• Do your sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors consume you mentally, emotionally, and/or physically?
• Does your sexual behavior conflict with your personal values, religious or moral beliefs?
• Do you feel shame, regret, hopelessness, guilt, loneliness, or suicide after your sexual behavior?

If you answer YES to any of these questions, you may want to make an appointment with our admissions team. They can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for additional help. If you have suicidal thoughts, call your healthcare provider right away or call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Can sex addiction be treated, and is recovery possible?

Yes, plenty of people have been treated for sex addiction and have achieved lasting sobriety in their recovery journey. Sex addiction recovery is less about eliminating sexual desire and more about gaining control over it and building healthier habits.

What are the best treatment options for sex addiction?

Treatment methods and programs aren’t necessarily the same for all and are typically tailored to each individual, but there are common treatments that are known to be effective and help those struggling with sex addiction, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• 12-Step Programs
• Holistic Therapies (Yoga, Meditation, Mindfulness Practices, Art Therapy, etc.)

How long does sex addiction treatment take?

The length of treatment depends on the recovery program you participate in. At Desert Recovery Centers, we provide a 30-day residential recovery program that utilizes evidence-based therapies and modalities, holistic therapies, and luxury amenities.

Does insurance cover sex addiction treatment?

Insurance coverage for sex addiction treatment depends on your particular insurance plan and provider, though many plans in the U.S. will provide differing degrees of coverage. 

Contact your insurance provider about your current plan for information about your coverage.