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Sex Addiction

Sex addiction – sometimes described as hypersexuality, porn addiction or sexual compulsive disorder – is a very common, very real and rarely discussed disorder which can have a devastating impact on individuals, relationships and families.

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  • Alcohol
  • Drugs
  • Prescription Drugs
  • Disordered Eating
  • Sex Addiction
  • Gambling
  • Work Addiction
  • Gaming, Social Media and Device Addiction
  • Love and Avoidance Addiction
  • Dual Diagnosis

Understanding Sex Addiction

Because sex addiction is often hidden from family and friends in a shroud of shame or denial, it has the capacity to endure and escalate over time. For those of us grappling with sex addiction, it feels like an overwhelming and unstoppable impulse. Secrecy, shame, guilt and fear can feel like insurmountable barriers to seeking help and these feelings can be compounded if the addiction occurs alongside infidelity or confusion over sexuality and/or gender identity.

 

When Does Sex Stop Being Healthy And Become An Addiction?

When clinicians talk about sex addiction, we’re referring to a wide range of behaviours, including excessive masturbation or excessive use of porn, hookup apps and sexual acts of increasing intensity or frequency.

It’s important to understand that humans have diverse sexual tastes, practices and libido levels. However, sexual behaviour can become problematic when it becomes obsessive or compulsive, meaning we become preoccupied with these activities and find it difficult to stop. We may start to notice mounting negative consequences in our lives and, regardless of these negative impacts to ourselves and those around us, we continue these activities.

Specialists In The Field

South Pacific Private pioneered the treatment of sex addiction in Australia. We know the courage it takes to make that first step and reach out for help. And are committed to the highest levels of sensitivity, confidentiality and compassion.

We understand that for most people, sex addiction is not actually driven by sexual desire but by issues related to intimacy, the need to numb emotional pain, assert control, avoid emotional connection, balance moods or reduce anxiety. Sexual arousal may become a replacement for emotional intimacy. Cravings can be intense, can escalate, and we may suffer from symptoms of withdrawal if we abstain, just as happens with a substance addiction.

Indicators of sex addiction:

  • Feelings of shame, despair, regret, confusion and denial following sexual encounters
  • Excessive use of internet or mobile phone, pornography, or sex toys / dolls
  • Excessive use of internet chat rooms or ‘hookup’ applications
  • A strong preference for anonymous or impersonal sexual encounters, including blindfolds, gloryholes etc.
  • Use of prostitution, escort services or cruising areas
  • Escalating sexual fantasies, dependence on sexual kinks or boundary-pushing desires – A preference for significant age differences between you and a sex partner – Aggressive sexual behaviour, frequent sexual advances or high levels of sexual confidence
  • Excessive time thinking about or planning sexual fantasies
  • A high frequency of sexual encounters or numerous regular or irregular sexual partners
  • Losing interest in a person after having had sex with them
  • Mixing sex with pain,  control or humiliation, either inflicting or requesting pain during sex, or seeking to be dominated or to dominate during sex
  • Exhibitionism, voyeurism or sexual arousal related to the vulnerability or exploitation of another individual

If you’re concerned you may have a problem with sex addiction, you can use our self-assessment tool here to gain a better understanding of whether key indicators of sex addiction apply to your situation. To schedule a free, confidential, professional phone assessment, call our team seven days a week on 1800 063 332.

Your journey to recovery

South Pacific Private specialises in the treatment of sex addiction, bringing an expert, multi-disciplinary team to every case. We practice a model of trauma-informed care which seeks to provide the safest healing environment, treat the addiction itself and to identify and address its origin and causes.

At South Pacific Private, we also know how severely this addiction can impact families and relationships. Loved ones themselves can often suffer from intense feelings of betrayal, inadequacy and anger. When requested and where appropriate, we are committed to helping educate loved ones, heal families and repair relationships through our dedicated Family Program.

Sexual addiction can be an especially difficult and devastating disorder, and we’re committed to the very highest levels of understanding and care.

If you’re ready to work on developing a healthier relationship with sexual behaviour, we’re ready to stand with you every step of the way. Call us on 1800 063 332 or contact us here to see which of our programs are right for you.

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WE HEAL FAMILIES

Why Choose South
Pacific Private?

With decades of experience, South Pacific Private is Australia’s leading treatment centre for addiction, trauma, depression and anxiety. Our uniquely comprehensive programs change lives, repair relationships and heal families by identifying and addressing the underlying causes laying the groundwork for sustained, long-term recovery.

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE?

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    • Alcohol Addiction
    • Anxiety
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    • Gambling Addiction
    • Gaming, Social Media and Device Addiction
    • Love Addiction
    • Love Avoidance
    • Prescription Drug Addiction
    • Sex Addiction
    • Trauma
    • Work Addiction

The goal of our self-tests is not to provide you with a diagnosis for yourself or for someone you care about. Instead, they are an opportunity for you to better understand how a behaviour might be impacting upon your life or the life of your family. Use these tests to enhance your awareness of what the problem might be.

These tests should be answered honestly in order to provide accurate insight and are a chance for you to reflect upon the current situation.

WANT TO READ ON?

Navigate To
Other Addiction Pages

Alcohol Addiction

At South Pacific Private, we know how difficult it is to take the first step and admit that alcohol has become a problem in your life. The idea of living without alcohol can feel daunting, overwhelming or even impossible.

Click here to read more >

Drug and Substance Addiction

At South Pacific Private, we recognise drug addiction as a particularly devastating and all-consuming disease which can destroy lives, fracture families and risk serious health impacts, including overdose.

Click here to read more >

Addiction to Prescription Medication

Addiction to prescription medication is a serious and rapidly growing problem in Australia and can lead to financial, relational and physical and emotional issues.

Click here to read more >

Disordered Eating

The term ‘disordered eating’ covers a vast range of behaviours which can include over-eating, under-eating – annorexia binge eating and purging – bulimia, craving food or lacking control around food and an obsession with healthy eating, known as orthorexia.

Click here to read more >

Gambling

Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling, can be a dangerous, destructive and overwhelming disorder, with mounting debts and relationship conflicts often leading to severe stress and isolation.

Click here to read more >

Gaming, Social Media and Device Addiction

The rise of technology has resulted in new and detrimental addictive behaviours, variously called internet addiction, screen addiction, device addiction, social media addiction, video gaming addiction or gaming disorder.

Click here to read more >

Love/Avoidance Addiction

Love Addiction and Love Avoidance describe two dysfunctional relationship patterns that some of us repeatedly find ourselves falling into, often leading to significant emotional pain, distress and unhealthy intimate relationships.

Click here to read more >

Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis is a term used to describe a person who is experiencing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety alongside alcohol and drug addiction.

Click here to read more >

Work Addiction

Work addiction, also known as workaholism or burnout, is a relatively new issue in the field of psychological research, but we know it can have significant impacts on individuals’ families, emotional and physical health.

Click here to read more >

Stories of Recovery

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South Pacific Private recognises the Gayamaygal people as the traditional owners and custodians of the land upon which we work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

South Pacific Private is working towards Rainbow Tick Accreditation.

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