SEXUAL ADDICTION PROGRAM

Sexual addiction typically causes a person to act out against his/her own ethics and principals. This behavior is referred to as sexually addictive or sexually compulsive behavior. Some signs of sexual addiction are:

1) A pattern of out-of-control behavior.
2) Severe consequences due to sexual behavior.
3) Inability to stop despite adverse consequences.
4) Persistent pursuit of self-destructive or high-risk behavior.
5) Ongoing desire or effort to limit sexual behavior.
6) Sexual obsession or fantasy as a primary coping strategy.
7) Increasing amounts of sexual experience.
8) Severe mood changes around sexual activity.
9) Inordinate amount of time spent in obtaining sex, being sexual, or recovering from sexual experiences.
10) Neglect of important social, occupational, or recreational activities.

TREATMENT FOCUS
Typical issues addressed are: relapse-prevention; developing honesty to counter deceit; developing integrity to counter false-self; developing accountability to counter denial; reduce cognitive distortions; reinvolvement in family to counter isolation and loneliness; therapy focusing on recovery from past childhood trauma and adult stresses; psychopharmacology where indicated to counter depression or other mental illnesses that may be present; medical care to counter poor self-care leading to sexually transmitted diseases.

SELF-HELP PROGRAMS
Participation in a 12-step program (SA, SAA, SCA, SLAA, AA, NA, COSA, ALANON, ACA, AMAC, CODA, etc.), and developing a sponsor is essential to counter poor structure and lack of support; and to develop spiritually.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
When indicated, family and significant others' involvement in treatment may be highly important for a successful outcome.