Sex addicts use sexual fantasy and behavior to escape (to avoid feeling) emotional discomfort – stress, anxiety, loneliness, depression, shame, boredom, and the like. Often, they spend hours (or even days) in an emotionally elevated state of sexual fantasy and pursuit. This state is sometimes referred to as the bubble. It is this trancelike state, rather than actually engaging in sex, that provides the escapist “high” of sex addiction.
Sex addiction is diagnosed based on three primary criteria:
If you identify with these criteria, it is likely you are sexually addicted. If you are uncertain, we suggest you take this anonymous 25-question sex and porn addiction screening test.
Sex addiction is treatable. But only if the addict seeks the right type of professional assistance.
Unfortunately, many sex addicts never seek that right help. Sometimes, because they feel tremendous shame about their sex life, they keep their behaviors secret. Other times, they seek treatment for symptoms related to their addiction – relationship trouble, diminished self-esteem, depression, and the like. But unless they’re talking to a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), they are unlikely to mention (or even be asked about) their true issue: sexual addiction.
The good news is that with proper clinical guidance, sex addiction can be kept in check, and the underlying issues can be addressed.
Sex addiction requires specialized treatment, something that very few facilities provide. Seeking Integrity, however, specializes in the treatment of sex addiction. That’s it. That’s all we do.
Furthermore, we believe that successful treatment doesn’t stem from good marketing or pretty websites but from the expertise and experience of the professionals who provide it. To this end, our clinical staff is comprised of PhD and master’s level CSATs and mental health specialists. Seeking Integrity also has a family therapist solely dedicated to the inclusion and involvement of spouses/partners.
You won’t find this level of specialization and expertise anywhere else!