Everything You Need to Know About Sex Addiction Treatments
Unlike alcoholism, though, sex addiction treatment usually takes longer and can lead to serious complications. The addict develops compulsive sexual behavior and develops an intense sexual desire or urge, which they cannot control. Sex addicts cannot stop thinking about having sex and often feel guilt free after having had sex. This is because their compulsions are not strong enough to stop when confronted with temptation.
One of the common treatments for sex addicts is called antidepressants. Some antidepressants are designed to treat not only addiction to sex but any type of addiction. These drugs work by ameliorating the patient’s psychiatric illness, which helps him deal with his compulsion over sex more effectively. Commonly used antidepressants in sex addiction treatment medication include Prozac (Sertraline), Zoloft (Zoloft) and Paxil (Prozac). Antidepressants have been proven successful in treating sex addicts due to their ability to bolster the power of the central nervous system and make the patient more aware of his bodily reactions. Some centers also provide treatment for undifferentiated schizophrenia.
What are the treatments for sex addiction?
A popular form of sex addiction treatment medication is called sex therapy. It is sometimes combined with or used in conjunction with other forms of treatment for sex addicts. Sex therapy works best when conducted by an experienced therapist. The therapist helps the addict understand his compulsion over sex and how it interferes with his ability to function in society. Sex therapists help sex addicts develop skills for managing their compulsions and learn to create a healthy relationship between themselves and their intimate partners.
Other medications used in the treatment of sex addicts are beta blockers and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In the past, these types of addiction treatment medication were mainly used in the treatment of alcoholism. However, they have since been found to be effective in treating many forms of addiction, including sex addiction. Although beta blockers and SSRIs can be administered separately, they often work better when used in combination. This is because they target different factors that may trigger a sex addict’s need for sex.
In recent years, a novel approach called neuropharmacology has been gaining attention as a successful sex addiction treatment medication. In this approach, neurochemicals in the brain are found to be responsible for the responses observed in the brain during various sexual activities. These substances are thought to be responsible for the emergence of sex feelings and behavior.
Another form of addiction treatment medication used to treat sex addiction is that of drugs like Viagra. The use of Viagra as a sex addiction treatment has been extensively studied. It was found that individuals with chronic sex addiction who were given Viagra as their medication experienced a significant reduction in their craving for sex. However, caution should be taken in prescribing Viagra, especially if one is already taking other forms of prescription medication. It is important that the patient receive unbiased medical advice before starting on such a drug therapy. Some of these residential addiction centers also provide treatment for undifferentiated schizophrenia.
Final Take
Many people suffering from sex addiction are wary about resorting to addiction treatment medications as the treatment approach seems somewhat counterintuitive. However, the benefits of using drugs like Viagra as a sex addiction treatment medication are well documented and supported by many medical professionals. Moreover, there are also numerous side effects reported when Viagra is used as an addiction treatment medication. For this reason, most patients, including those with sex addiction, prefer the non-pharmacological approach of cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches the individual to recognize their triggers, develop healthy behaviors and replace their need for sex with more healthy alternatives.