Do You Struggle To Control Your Sexual Impulses Or Behaviors?
Are you hiding a love or sex addiction that you can no longer manage alone? Do you often put yourself in compromising positions at work or in your relationships due to excessive or uncontrollable porn use? Are you engaging in extramarital affairs or hopping from one relationship to the next, hoping to find satisfaction or validation that ultimately never lasts?
Perhaps you are a successful professional, a high-profile community member, or someone in a position of trust, and you worry that, eventually, your behaviors could cost you everything. Or maybe a spouse or employer has already discovered your situation, and you want to recover a sense of dignity, normalcy, and control.
On the outside, it probably seems like you have everything together well, but on the inside, it may feel like you are Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It's as if you are living a double life: in one reality, you are a beloved little league coach, a community leader, or the CEO of a company; in the other, you struggle with impulsivity and sexually problematic behavior that runs directly contrary to all your values. And though you want to stop, the narcotic-like attraction only adds to the cycle of addiction.
However, your actions are not who you are. At Insideout Living, we will show you that you can be loved as you are—warts and all. In time, you can learn to manage the highs and lows of life and feel safe and accepted in relationships without turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Sex Addiction Is A Rapidly Growing Health Concern
The goal or purpose of every addiction is to ease emotional overwhelm. So, sex addiction is not an issue of being sinful or bad; it's a desperate response to feeling empty, unloved, or broken. Sometimes, those insecurities are born out of sexual, emotional, or physical trauma as a child. As an adult, sex easily becomes a vehicle for validation and affirming that lack of self-worth.
That's just one reason that sex addiction in all of its forms—chronic infidelity, online porn use, fantasy, and obsession—is the fastest-growing addiction of this century. In fact, in one survey, 7 percent of women and 10.3 percent of men expressed distress due to a pronounced difficulty controlling sexual compulsions.*
Another reason for those numbers is accessibility: given the internet, you can do or initiate anything with the swipe of a finger or press a button. Sexual addictions are also easily concealed because there are no telltale signs of dilated eyes or slurred speech, so that you can hide it in plain sight. Sometimes, people confuse intensity with intimacy, causing them to seek more rewards and more pleasure until it becomes a compulsive behavior.
Unfortunately, overcoming sex addiction can be harder than managing a drug addiction because, unlike cocaine, alcohol, or other addictive substances, sex is an integral part of who we are as human beings. It's an essential part of life, and breaking that cycle and figuring out what is healthy behavior can be difficult on your own.
Look, no one can say: "I'm not going to be a sexual creature anymore." That's not how we are built!
At Insideout Living, we can help you heal old emotional wounds and teach you how to accept and love yourself so you can have a healthy relationship with sex.
Sex Addiction In Women: Understanding & Overcoming
Sex addiction is a topic that has long been associated with men. However, there has been a growing awareness of women struggling with this issue in recent years. Despite societal perceptions and stereotypes, women can also find themselves caught in the destructive cycle of sex addiction. In this essay, we will explore the causes, consequences, and potential avenues for recovery for women with sex addiction.
Women, just like men, can develop a compulsive urge to engage in sexual behaviors that have negative consequences on their personal and professional lives. These behaviors can range from excessive pornography consumption and promiscuity to engaging in risky sexual encounters. Women with sex addiction often find themselves unable to resist these urges, leading to a loss of control over their own lives.
One of the main causes of sex addiction in women is trauma. Sexual abuse, assault, or any form of childhood trauma can have a profound impact on an individual's relationship with sex; for women who have experienced such traumas, engaging in compulsive sexual behaviors may serve as a coping mechanism or a way to regain a sense of control. Moreover, societal pressures and unrealistic expectations surrounding female sexuality can also contribute to the development of sex addiction in women. The idea that women should be sexually available and attractive at all times can lead to unhealthy and addictive behaviors.
The consequences of sex addiction for women can be devastating. It can have detrimental effects on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Women may experience intense shame, guilt, and self-loathing as a result of their behaviors, often leading to a cycle of addiction and self-destruction. Furthermore, sex addiction can strain personal relationships, leading to feelings of betrayal and mistrust from partners who may struggle to comprehend or support their loved one's addiction. This can leave women feeling isolated and emotionally drained.
Overcoming sex addiction is a challenging process that demands commitment and support. Seeking professional help is crucial for women struggling with this issue. Therapy can provide women with a safe space to explore the root causes of their addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often used to help individuals identify and modify distorted thoughts and behaviors associated with addiction. Group therapy can also be beneficial as it offers a supportive network of individuals facing similar challenges.
Building resilience and self-esteem is an essential part of the recovery journey. Through self-reflection, women can discover their self-worth and learn to value themselves beyond their sexuality. Developing a strong support system of understanding friends, family, and recovery groups can provide much-needed encouragement and accountability.
Intensive Coaching Program Jumpstart Long-Term Transformation
If you're ready to make positive changes to your life, consider an intensive coaching program. For more information, please contact us today.
*https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303868602_A_Review_of_the_Research_in_Emotionally_Focused_Therapy_for_Couples
Let Us Help You Heal & Be Whole
If you want to gain agency over compulsive actions and improve how you feel about yourself, we can help. Please call 847 328 7588 ext. 501 for your free, 10 to 15-minute consultation to assess your needs. Or, if you are interested in an intensive, you can email us directly to schedule an appointment.
*https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.4468
