If you are obsessed with sex, have trouble controlling your sexual urges, masturbate frequently and/or engage in sexual fantasies, it may be time to seek treatment for a sex addiction. This condition is not formally diagnosed or recognized, but the symptoms are very real and can have devastating consequences for the individual and their relationships.

Sex addiction is often triggered by emotional or sexual trauma. The trauma often occurs during childhood or adolescence and can be physical, emotional or psychological in nature. This type of addiction is commonly characterized by a deep-rooted sense of unworthiness, attempts to block or numb residual feelings and finding pleasure in extreme risk taking or re-creating the original traumatic experience.

People with a sex addiction can also become easily involved in relationships that are not healthy and may sexualize their feelings of loneliness, guilt or fear. They may also neglect their family responsibilities and career for their desire to satisfy their compulsive sexual urges, which can have long-term negative effects on the person’s life and health.

There are a number of psychosocial treatments for this disorder, including group therapy and individual counseling. During these sessions, the therapists will help you identify unhealthy thought patterns and teach you healthier coping skills to replace your obsessive sexual behavior. In addition, you can receive couple’s or marriage counseling if your sex addiction has caused problems in your relationship. Finally, there are a number of spiritual sex addiction treatment options available that focus on understanding and nurturing your inner spirit rather than relying on external stimuli.