Sex and love addiction

In the vast spectrum of human experiences, few are as powerful as sex and love – but what happens when our desires turn into obsessions and compulsions? Sex and love addiction is often overlooked, misunderstood and shrouded in secrecy and shame. However, just like any other addiction, this condition can have a profound impact on every aspect of your life.

If you struggle to navigate relationships and are concerned about sex and love addiction, Oasis Runcorn can help you to unravel the complexities of this disorder. Our experienced team can help you on the path towards healing and recovery.

What is sex and love addiction?

Sex and love addiction is characterised by patterns of an intense and uncontrollable preoccupation with sexual or romantic pursuits. You may experience a persistent and overwhelming need for validation, connection or physical intimacy, often at the expense of your own wellbeing.

Sex addiction…

If you are suffering from sex addiction, you may feel strong urges to engage in sexual activity, including sex with different partners, preoccupation with sexual fantasies, compulsive masturbation or excessive use of porn. These impulsions may begin to take over your life and you may feel compelled to continue despite any negative consequences that arise.

Love addiction…

Love addiction manifests as a compulsive need to seek out romantic relationships or emotional connections. If you are struggling with this disorder, it is possible that you jump from one relationship to the next in a bid to feel love. You may become infatuated with a specific partner, idealising them and ignoring potential red flags, often leading to unhealthy or abusive relationships.

Sex and love addiction: know the signs

Everyone’s experience with sex and love is different – each of us has varying levels of preferences and ideas about what is “normal”. Having multiple relationships or engaging in frequent sexual activity does not mean that you have an addiction. It is only when this behaviour becomes uncontrollable, to the point where you are unable to stop and it interferes with daily life, that it is considered a sex and love addiction.

It is important to be aware of the signs of a sex or love addiction. The signs of love addiction include:

• Feeling worthless or empty without a partner
• Obsession with romantic fantasies or finding the “perfect” partner
• Fear of abandonment or being alone
• A constant need for validation from partners
• Displaying clingy, needy or controlling behaviour in relationships
• Inability to set healthy boundaries in relationships
• Prioritising a partner’s wants and needs over your own
• Repeated patterns of unhealthy or toxic relationships

The signs of sex addiction include:

• Constantly thinking about sex
• Spending an excessive amount of time seeking sexual experiences
• Engaging in risky or illegal sexual behaviour
• Need for increasing levels of sexual stimulation or more extreme experiences
• Prioritising sexual activity over work, relationships or personal wellbeing
• Inability to reduce or stop sexual activity
• Feeling guilt or shame as a result of your sexual behaviour

What causes sex and love addiction?

Sex and love addiction can stem from a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors. While the exact cause will vary from person to person, some common underlying factors that may contribute to the development of sex and love addiction include:

• Early experiences and attachment issues: Traumatic experiences, neglect or inconsistent caregiving during childhood can impact your ability to form healthy attachments later in life.
• Co-occurring mental health disorders: Sex and love addiction can often coexist with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression or personality disorders. These disorders may amplify the need for validation and provide an escape from emotional pain, fuelling addictive behaviours.
• Neurochemical factors: Engaging in sexual or romantic activities triggers the release of neurochemicals like dopamine and oxytocin, which are associated with pleasure and bonding. Over time, the brain can become conditioned to seek out these pleasurable experiences, leading to compulsive behaviours.
• Coping mechanisms and emotional regulation: Sex and love addiction can serve as a coping mechanism to escape or numb emotional pain, loneliness or stress. It may provide temporary relief or distraction from underlying emotional issues, leading to a cycle of dependency on these behaviours.
• Genetics and family history: Your genes may play a part in the development of addictive behaviours, including sex and love addiction. A family history of addiction can increase your likelihood of developing similar patterns.

By understanding the root cause of your sex and love addiction, you will be better equipped to process and overcome it. With the support of our team, you can develop a deeper knowledge of these underlying issues and learn healthier coping mechanisms.

The dangers of sex and love addiction

Sex and love addiction can have a significant impact on many areas in your life, from relationships, health and even your career. It can have a profound effect on your emotional wellbeing and overall quality of life. Some of the consequences that may arise from sex and love addiction include:

• Emotional distress: feelings of guilt, shame, worthlessness and self-loathing are commonly seen alongside sex and love addiction.
• Increased mental health issues: Your sex and love addiction can also cause and exacerbate mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
• Damaged relationships: Sex and love addiction can lead to strained and broken relationships.
• Low self-esteem: The constant need for external validation or sexual gratification can impact the way you view yourself.
• Neglected personal wellbeing: You may disregard your own needs in your bid to please your partner.
• Risk of sexually transmitted diseases: As you engage in riskier sexual behaviours, you are at a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
• Risk of abuse in relationships: Fear of being alone means you are more likely to stay in physically or mentally abusive relationships, leaving you vulnerable to harm.
• Inability to maintain other responsibilities: Sex and love addiction can take over every second of your day, leaving you unable to focus on other important responsibilities like work or studies.

Left untreated, sex and love addiction holds the potential to derail your whole life. Oasis Runcorn can help you to rebuild and repair the damage caused by this destructive condition.

Can I overcome sex and love addiction?

It is possible to overcome sex and love addiction. With treatment, you can learn how to form and maintain more meaningful, fulfilling relationships. Oasis Runcorn offers an all-encompassing programme that aims to heal emotional and psychological wounds, pinpoint the underlying reasons for your behaviour and develop coping skills to take forward.

In order to do this, you will take part in a variety of different therapies and supportive treatments. These include:

• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Mindfulness-based therapy
• Relapse prevention
• Yoga and meditation
• Going baths
• Lectures and workshops

While a physical detox is not typically required for a sex and love addiction, you may experience some psychological withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety and restlessness. Our treatment programme is sensitive to this and will provide you with the support you need to battle through these initial stages of recovery.

Helping a loved one: the dos and don’ts

If you think that a loved one is struggling with sex and love addiction, it is important to approach the situation with care and empathy. This may be a distressing and emotional time for you both, so it is important to be well-prepared for any conversations.

Do…

• Educate yourself on sex and love addiction
• Express concern and offer your support
• Encourage your loved one to get professional help
• Be patient and supportive
• Set boundaries and stick to them

Don’t…

• Don’t blame or shame your loved one
• Don’t try to control or fix them
• Don’t enable their sex and love addiction
• Don’t neglect your own self-care

While you can offer support and encouragement, it is ultimately up to your loved one to seek help and commit to recovery. By providing a non-judgmental and compassionate space for them to open up, you can make a positive difference and hopefully help them on their journey.

Let’s get started

At the Oasis Runcorn rehab centre, you will be able to let go of your worries, relax and focus on your goals. Sex and love addiction can feel like the loneliest place on earth, but with our treatment programme, you will have access to a community of like-minded individuals who are all facing their own addiction battles.

If you would like more information about our sex and love addiction treatment, don’t hesitate to contact our admissions team.

Frequently asked questions