Thursday, January 23, 2014

Group Support For Sex Addiction Recovery Meets In Various Locations

By Nelda Powers


There are many kinds of addictions that can affect people. A person can become addicted to alcohol, recreational drugs, smoking or sex. Group support for sex addiction is available and able to aid recovery. This obsession is as life-altering as any of the others.

The sex addict is drawn to what are defined as normal sexual practices. He or she is a nonparaphilic sexual addict. The sexual deviant may be an exhibitionist or a pedophile, which are paraphilic sexual addictions.

An addiction can be to internet porn as well as to in-person sexual encounters. It can be a daily or twice daily obsession, however, the actual sex acts fall within what is considered normal. It is only the frequency that is not. It is the inability to limit the frequency that is problematic.

The symptoms of an addiction include the need for ever increasing levels of intensity to achieve satisfaction, spending too much time having sex to the extent that it blocks other activity and feeling withdrawal symptoms if sexual gratification is not frequent enough. Prior to group therapy, a medical doctor should be seen to rule out any physical condition that may be causing the intense need for sex.

There may be overlapping symptoms such as depression and generalized anxiety disorder. These should be included in any care plan. The supportive gathering may be led by a professional, such as a psychologist or social worker.

The recovering sex addict will make an ideal leader due to the fact that he or she will have complete understanding of what the addict faces. Everyone in the group benefits when experiences are shared. Knowing that others have overcome the obsession is encouraging to everyone.

Members of the group remain anonymous. They introduce themselves by first names only. No one is ever judgmental since they have done the same things and had the same detrimental experiences.

One thing members will learn is that there are situations they need to avoid. Certain places and things may work as triggers. Triggers cause an even stronger need for the aberrant behavior. Learning ways to avoid them will further recovery.

A distribution of meeting places exist around the country ready to help the individual who is sexually obsessed. A psychiatrist may conduct the sessions as a part of therapy. A recovering addict may be in the leadership position due to his or her personal experience. Either style should endeavor to make everyone feel comfortable and relaxed enough to share their feelings and experiences.

There are all male meetings and all female meetings. Many are open to both genders. In addition, there are meetings for the spouses or partners of the afflicted person. When these family members get together they can discuss mutual problems in dealing with the addicted partner.

Internet porn is at the root of many cases of sexual fanaticism. Some couples watch it together. However, when one partner spends time looking at porn on the internet, it takes time and interest away from his or her partner. Group support for sex addiction provides the impetus to recovery. There is comfort in knowing that others have been through the same thing.




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