While many people associate a sexual addiction with negative emotions like shame, guilt, and regret, removing the stigma of addiction and finding a way to embrace a new life that includes sobriety is the only way to move towards a happy, healthier you. The first step is to explore your illness and find out how your Medical Mutual sex addiction coverage can help.
What is Sex Addiction?
Sexual addiction involves a set of uncontrollable compulsions similar to those felt by someone addicted to alcohol, cocaine, or prescription drugs. People struggling with sex addiction experience irrepressible urges to act on their compulsions and are often unhappy with the very behaviors and activities they continue to take part in. Some signs and symptoms of sex addiction include:
- Obsession/preoccupation with sex or sexual acts
- Feeling detached from the sexual act despite pursuing it
- Feeling shame or guilt as a result of sexual behaviors
- Inability to reduce or cease the behavior despite a desire to stop
- Participating in dangerous or illegal activity in the pursuit of sex
- Persistent use or viewing of pornography
- Participating or putting oneself in unsafe sexual situations
- Multiple partners or sex with strangers
- Shirking responsibilities at work, school, or home in favor of sexual activity
- Losing control over behaviors
- Going beyond preset boundaries or predetermined stopping points
If any of these behaviors sound familiar to you or a loved one, it may be time to explore your Medical Mutual sex addiction coverage and seek professional help.
Treating Sex Addiction
While there is no cure for sex addiction, there are different ways to treat and control it, many of which may be provided for as part of your Medical Mutual sex addiction coverage.
- Inpatient Rehabilitation – One way to immediately treat a behavioral disorder like sex addiction is to remove the patient from temptation, and few ways work better than living in a residential rehab facility. Here, distractions are minimized and the focus is completely on recovery and long-term wellness.
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy – CBT works to help patients identify their destructive behavior patterns and then to redirect them towards something more positive. Through CBT, sex addicts learn to control their compulsions and avoid or better deal with associated triggers.
- Therapy and Support Groups –Support groups and both individual and family therapy can help patients realize that achieving and maintaining sobriety truly is possible.