Sex and Porn Addiction

An estimated  7.4-14.7 million U.S adults suffer from sex addiction. Most often, sex addicts do not form healthy attachments to their sex partners and often experience guilt and shame as a result of their sexual behaviors. Sex addiction can involve obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors. 

"Sex Addiction" is a broad term to define a set of behaviors related to sexuality that are excessive and have a negative impact/negative consequences on one's life. The World Health Organization recently classified sex addiction as "compulsive sexual health disorder" and defined it as a "persistent pattern of failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges resulting in repetitive sexual behavior." The list of criteria used includes: "repetitive sexual activities becoming the focus of a person's life, numerous unsuccessful efforts to reduce sexual behavior and continued sexual activity despite deriving little satisfaction from it." 

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A common misconception is that people who have a high sex drive means that they are sex addicts. Unlike people who enjoy sex and experience pleasure during and after sex, sex addicts may not experience pleasure from the sex itself. In fact, they may experience shame, embarrassment, and will use sex as a way to escape from pain or to cope with life's problems. 

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       Common compulsive and addictive sexual behaviors include: 

               Serial Infidelity

               Compulsive Pornography

               Repeated Anonymous Sex/Anonymous Hook-ups

               Compulsive Online Sex

               Compulsive Masturbation 

               Fantasy/obsessions 

               Love/Relationships

               Exhibitionism/Voyeurism

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For help with sex addiction, compulsive sexual behaviors, chronic fantasizing, or unhealthy sexual behaviors, we can help you. We are Sex Therapists and Certified Sex Addiction Therapists with extensive training in helping people with sex addiction. With compassion, understanding, and acceptance you will learn about sex addiction, the role this plays in your life, gain understanding, and develop skills to maintain healthy sexual behaviors. 

EMDR and Sex Addiction Treatment: Dominic is trained in EMDR and often uses this in treating sex addiction. EMDR focuses on separating the euphoric, exciting, and addictive emotions from compulsive sexual activity and the anticipation/preparation of compulsive sexual behaviors; by doing so, one will learn to have healthy, connected, and passionate sex and emotional relationships with others. The "30-task model" is also used by Dominic to help heal from compulsive sexual behaviors. The 30 Task Model is an effective and research-based treatment model for Sexually Compulsive and Addictive Behaviors including Cognitive and Behavioral components. You will explore thought patterns that lead to compulsive behaviors as well as identify and replace the compulsive behaviors. 

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Common barriers to seeking help for sex addiction include shame, embarrassment, and lack of knowledge regarding this disorder. We hope that the WHO's new classification for sex addiction will help to reduce stigma and increase the prevalence of treatment for this disorder.

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Information for Inpatient Rehabilitation for Sex Addiction is available:

The Meadows 

Sierra Tuscon

Recovery Ranch 

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