Sex is a normal and healthy part of life. But those with sex addiction often find themselves overly focused on sexual thoughts, desires, or actions, even when it leads to harm. Individuals struggling often deal with judgment and stigma, making it hard for them to seek the help they need. At Orchid, we offer treatment for sex addiction with professionalism and empathy, creating a safe environment for you to start your recovery journey with us.
Understanding Sex Addiction
Sexual addiction is a topic that has gained attention and sparked discussions among professionals worldwide in recent years. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently defined sexual addiction as Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder (CSBD) in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD). On the other hand, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) suggested the term Hypersexual Disorder as a replacement for sexual addiction in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM).
Despite the different terms, most experts agree on what sex addiction involves. This behavioural addiction is generally characterized by a continuous and compulsive pattern of sexual thoughts, fantasies, urges, and behaviours that lead to significant distress and negative impacts on important areas of life. Individuals with sex addiction often excessively engage in various sexual activities, such as viewing explicit content or pornography, masturbation, and other high-risk sexual behaviours.
Sex Addiction Treatment In Thailand
Sex addiction is often treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. If you or someone you know is showing signs of sex addiction, several treatment options might help. Therapy is a widely used approach for addressing sex addiction where you can collaborate with a professional to manage your sexual behaviours and explore underlying issues. Specifically, Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most common therapies used for this condition. However, different therapists may apply various techniques, such as dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), to assist individuals in managing their emotions or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to help people with sex addiction who experienced trauma.
A therapist can support you in handling urges and encourage positive mental health practices. Regular therapy sessions can help you build resilience and improve your overall mental well-being. However, progress may take time, and patience is essential in the recovery process. In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe certain medications to assist those dealing with sex addiction. These medications can influence brain chemicals related to obsessive thoughts and behaviours, which could potentially reduce sexual urges for some individuals. Medications are also recommended when an individual with sex addiction suffers from another mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression.
Why Choose Orchid For Sex Addiction Treatment
Receiving treatment at Orchid provides significant advantages because of our commitment to delivering exceptional care, distinguishing us from other rehabilitation centres. Orchid is an addiction rehab centre in Thailand and is recognized for having the following:
Comprehensive Treatment Programme
Effective drug rehab centres offer tailored programs and treatment plans that cater to the specific needs of each individual. Orchid understands the importance of personalized care and provides a variety of programs aimed at promoting holistic recovery.
Highest Quality Care
The standard of care provided by a treatment centre is essential to its overall success. At Orchid, we implement evidence-based treatment methods and provide aftercare services to support long-term recovery and minimize the risk of relapse.
Thorough Assessment
When you start a treatment program with us, it is crucial to complete a detailed evaluation before receiving treatment. This assessment helps our healthcare professionals gain a complete understanding of your situation or condition, which allows them to deliver the most effective and tailored care possible.
Amenities For Safety And Convenience
The Orchid is distinguished by its premium amenities, which greatly contribute to our patients’ recovery experience. Our centre provides private accommodations to ensure that their treatment journey is safe and convenient. In addition, they can also participate in various recreational activities which are intended to support both physical and mental wellness during the recovery journey.
Luxurious But Affordable
We are committed to the idea that exceptional care should be accessible without high cost. Our treatment facilities are thoughtfully designed to blend luxury with affordability, which allows our patients to concentrate on their recovery in a comfortable environment while minimizing financial concerns.
Highly Skilled Staff
The qualifications and expertise of the staff at a rehabilitation centre are crucial for providing effective treatment for any form of addiction. Selecting a facility with skilled and experienced professionals ensures that individuals receive the essential support and guidance needed for a successful recovery journey. At our addiction treatment centre, we take pride in our team of qualified experts dedicated to assisting individuals in achieving sobriety.
Substance Addiction Treatments
Aside from sex addiction, our treatment facility also provides intervention for people who are struggling with substance addiction. Some of the common treatments include:
Detox
Drug detox is a process that helps clear the substance in your system, and it is usually the first step in recovery. When your body relies on a drug, stopping it can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which can be quite intense. Detox helps manage or lessen these uncomfortable symptoms.
Residential Treatment
Residential or inpatient treatment is a focused and structured treatment program aimed at helping people with substance and alcohol addiction. In this type of program, individuals live at our treatment centre for a set time, usually from a few weeks to several months, based on their condition. Inpatient rehab provides a secure and encouraging space where individuals can concentrate on their recovery, free from outside distractions and temptations.
Family Therapy
Family therapy can change lives by helping family members see their part in a loved one’s recovery. It offers valuable insights on how to support someone with addiction while avoiding behaviours that could slow down their progress. In addition, family therapy also explores and addresses the conflict within the family, promoting healing and bringing the family closer together. The main aim is to improve family relationships and encourage conversations that lead to recovery.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a form of strategy designed to address alcohol and substance addiction. The primary objective is to empower individuals to identify and resolve their issues rather than having solutions imposed upon them. In addition, it also helps to address and resolve ambivalence or the conflicting feelings individuals may experience about their alcohol or substance use.
Risk Factors Of Sex Addiction
The exact causes of sex addiction remain unknown. However, some experts have pointed out a few factors that might be linked to the development of the condition. These may include but are not limited to the following:
Biological Factors
The biological factors behind sexual addiction include a person’s physiology and genetics. Addictive behaviours are often linked to imbalances in certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which help regulate mood and influence pleasure. Hence, sexual addiction might be partly driven by elevated levels of these chemicals.
In addition, studies suggest that if one of the family members, like parents or siblings, has a history of sexual behaviour problems, the individual may be more likely to develop similar problems later in life. The genetic factors related to sexual addiction involve several genes thought to contribute to its development, explaining why some individuals are more susceptible to addictive behaviours than others.
History Of Trauma Or Abuse
Many research studies have shown that individuals with sex addiction have often experienced abuse, faced traumatic events, or other stressful experiences such as neglect, losing a parent, witnessing violence, or having a family member with a mental illness. Adverse experiences in childhood can raise the risk of developing sex addiction later in life because those situations can influence their emotional and sexual development. For some, this may lead to using sex as a way to cope with personal challenges or improve their self-esteem.
Contrary to common belief, sex addiction is not about enjoying sex. Many who are addicted often feel guilty, ashamed, hopeless, empty, and isolated.
Early Exposure To Pornography
Compulsive sexual behaviours are often linked to early exposure to porn. Being exposed to pornography at a young age can create false ideas about healthy sexual relationships. It can lead to unrealistic expectations and increase the chances of risky sexual behaviour. With the ease of access to online porn, many struggle to control their consumption. This can overstimulate the brain’s reward system, which causes changes similar to those seen in drug and alcohol addiction.
Moreover, early exposure to porn can skew a young person’s understanding of sex and may lead them to engage in sexual activities sooner than they are ready for. As a result, people may feel intense pressure to have sex, which can result in unsafe and uninformed sexual experiences. This can lead to issues like unwanted pregnancy, acquisition of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or even sexual violence.
Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Sex addiction is often linked to other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. Negative emotions such as sadness, loneliness, and helplessness can lead to compulsive sexual actions as individuals try to manage their feelings.
How Therapies Work In Treating Sex Addiction
Several evidence-based therapies can assist you in managing and breaking the cycle of your sex addiction, which include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on how your thoughts influence your feelings and actions. It is a goal-driven approach that aims to identify and change distorted thoughts and unhelpful behaviours that cause distress. The aim is to replace these negative patterns with healthier ways of thinking. CBT therapists use various methods to assist those dealing with sex addiction. The process usually starts with educating the individual and their family about sex addiction as a mental health issue. This includes talking about common symptoms, expected outcomes, treatment options, and therapy goals. CBT also includes relaxation techniques to help manage the stress that may lead to compulsive sexual behaviours.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Another effective treatment for sex addiction is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). It is a structured approach that teaches people how to handle strong emotions that may be associated with sexual urges and behaviours. DBT emphasizes being aware of the present moment, allowing individuals to respond to healthy sexual feelings without acting impulsively. The therapy includes four main modules such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing
There is increasing evidence that trauma can lead to unhealthy coping methods, such as compulsive sexual behaviour. Trauma, especially from sexual abuse, can hinder proper sexual development by affecting a person’s emotional, physical, and psychological processes that support healthy sexual behaviour. Hence, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a leading treatment for stress and trauma-related issues, shows a high success rate in addressing sex addiction.
Connect With Our Sex Addiction Rehab Centre In Thailand
Dealing with sex addiction can be challenging. However, if your sexual behaviours are harming your life, it’s crucial to get professional support. At Orchid, our caring team specializes in treating sex addiction. We collaborate with you to create a personalized treatment plan, and our comprehensive addiction treatment program aims to help you take back control and build a healthy sexual life. Contact us today.