Psychopharmacology in the Treatment of Sex Addicts

By Dorothy Hayden, LCSW
www.sextreatment.com

Treatment for compulsive sexual behavior typically involves psychotherapy, self-help groups, and medication.

Certain psychiatrists hold that sexual compulsion is maintained by mood-dependent motives, and that pharmacological treatment of the underlying mood disorder can diminish the urges and cravings associated with addiction. Interventions that enhance mood/feelings regulation and behavioral inhibition also have positive effects on the ability to control impulses.

People with Sexual Addiction are Escaping Emotional Pain, Say Experts

Sexual addiction is a serious addiction, often compared to substance abuse addictions for its level of destruction and its hold over the addict. However, people with the condition of sexual addiction still endure many comments and questions as they work toward treatment and recovery.

Couples Working Through Sex Addiction Together Can Reach Recovery, Say Experts

Pornography or sex addiction isn’t likely a topic to come up in a first date, or on many other dates thereafter.

Sexual addictions and pornography addictions remain a private matter for most people who are enduring them, or are only shared within a spouse or intimate relationship – which further complicates their chances for recovery, says a recent news article about sex addiction in the Kansas State Collegian.

People Seeking Sexual Addiction Treatment, Including Celebrities, Fueling More Research into the Disorder

It’s straight from the mouths of the experts at addiction treatment centers – the numbers of people with sexual addictions are rising.

Even though addictions to sex, hypersexuality and sexual compulsivity have been the source of debate over official diagnoses, addiction experts say the numbers of people seeking treatment for the conditions continues to grow, as noted in an April 2011 article on the Online Journal.

Warning Signs of Sex Addiction

Addiction specialist Dr. Drew Pinsky explains sex addiction and five main warning signs on DoctorOz.com:

Confessions of a Sex Addict

When Jack Rogers first heard media reports of Tiger Woods’ multiple extramarital affairs, he tallied up the number of women who claimed to have slept with the famous golfer. "I said to myself, ‘My God, that’s some body count,’ " Rogers remembers.

Steve Phillips Opens Up About Sex Addiction

Former ESPN baseball analyst Steve Phillips recently talked to TODAY’s Matt Lauer about his battle with sex addiction, which he calls a very real and devastating affliction.

Addiction Experts Weigh in on Tiger’s Sex Addiction

When asked if Tiger Woods is really a sex addict, E! Online’s Leslie Gornstein talked to addiction treatment specialists to get the low-down. "Probably 75 percent of the people who come in for treatment come because they’re being forced to," says Dr. Howard Samuels of Wonderland Treatment Center in Los Angeles.

Tiger Woods Reportedly Receiving Treatment for Sex Addiction in South Africa

Sources say Tiger Woods is seeking treatment for sexual addiction at a clinic in Cape Town, South Africa, according to The Sun. The golfer has been keeping a low profile since details emerged of at least one affair, though up to 14 women have claimed to have had relations with him and his wife, former model Elin Nordegren, has threatened divorce.

David Duchovny: Sex Was Escapism

David Duchovny, who was treated for sex addiction last year, claims he had his first erotic experience when he was just 6 years old. The "X Files" actor admits he had such a huge crush on his first grade teacher, and used to make up excuses so she could touch him.