Sexual Behavior

Behavior addiction treatment should be different than treatment for substance use disorders or any substance-related disorders. While oftentimes, the symptoms and negative consequences can be quite similar, the way in which the body and brain respond to treatment can be vastly different. Not all behavioral addictions are the same either.

There are obvious differences when comparing a behavioral addictions, also known as process addictions, to a substance use disorder but there are are also very big differences when comparing sex, porn and masturbation to other behaviors like gambling addiction, internet addiction, and food. When it comes to behavioral addictions like sex, porn and masturbation, it’s important to have a personalized treatment plan that caters to this specific addictive behavior. 

Treatment

People who struggle with behavioral addictions like sex, porn and masturbation may find it difficult to get the help they deserve. There is a lot of stigma associated with sexual addictions even though the brain patterns and rewards are very similar to other behavioral addictions like gambling disorder, video game addiction, compulsive shopping addiction and so on.

Compulsive behaviors and activities that cause major life issues are what defines these behavioral addictions. The symptoms though of sex addiction should be treated differently than a gambling addiction. Behavioral addictions not only cause relationship issues or physical issues but can lead to physical dependence and lack of dopamine. 

Mental Health Disorders

Sex, porn and masturbation are normal sexual behaviors but for many people these sexual behaviors can lead to many issues. Sexual behaviors that are compulsive can lead to impulse control disorder. The diagnostic criteria to being diagnosed with impulse control disorder can vary but you don’t need an official diagnosis to get help.

If you struggle with any mental health disorder or psychiatric disorder such as a mood disorder, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc. on any level you deserve to get the help you need. Talking to a mental health professional is important as well as treating your sexual behavior. 

Behavior Addictions

Issues with sexual behaviors are treatable. Addiction is a treatable disease, no matter what addiction it is you are struggling with but if you are struggling with sex, porn and masturbation or have any issues with sexual behaviors then CSPMA is the place for you. You don’t have to meet the criteria for a sexual behavior addiction or be labelled as an addict to get help. You can start today. 

When to see a Mental Health Professional

Here at CSPMA we also focus on co-occurring disorders. Co-occurring disorders is when someone is diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder such as alcohol use disorder as well as another mental disorder. The diagnostic criteria for a co-occurring disorder can also be a bit ambiguous but just know that you are struggling with sex, porn or masturbation addiction and also struggle with alcohol use disorder or any substance-related disorder it’s important that your treatment options address it all; excessive behaviors and mental health issues, all at the same time.

Drug and alcohol addicts sometimes don’t disclose everything to medical professionals which can make getting treatment for sex, porn and masturbation that much more difficult. Not treating mental illness and other addictions like alcohol addiction at the same time can lead to adverse consequences like trading one addiction for another which can lead to chronic relapses.

If you are struggling with any adverse consequences from sex, porn or masturbation please reach out today. Remember, you don’t have to meet any diagnostic criteria to get help now. Our program uses a holistic approach and positive reinforcement to create positive life changes.