Sexual Addiction
Sexual Addiction is a pattern of sexual thinking and behaviors that people use to avoid, numb or deny feelings and emotions. For the sexually dependent man or woman, sexual experience becomes the reason for being, and a substitute for normal human relationships. It provides both excitement and relief from troubles — but also becomes the source of a deep sense of shame, isolation, despair, and fear of discovery that is profoundly destructive. He or she vows to discontinue the sexual behavior, but is powerless to do so. Some become so desperate they believe the only way out of their addicted life is to die.
Sex addicts are victims of an insidious disease that has roots in deep emotional pain. Research shows that 87 percent of people who suffer from sexual dependency had been emotionally, physically, or sexually abused as children. (This is a particularly frightening aspect of sexual addiction — it is a family illness that can be passed down to the next generation.) Not surprisingly, emotional illness is a companion problem, including depression and paranoia.
Sexually dependent people often turn to other addictive behaviors to help cope with life, including compulsive overeating, gambling, violence or work addiction. By far the most common combination of addictions is that of sexual addiction and chemical dependency. Sex addicts use drugs and alcohol to medicate themselves against the pain and shame of their sexual addiction, and eventually will become dependent on chemicals as well.
Sexual Addiction Treatment Components
Treatment for sexual addiction is offered on an inpatient, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient basis.
- Medical Assessment, Stabilization
- Nursing Care
- Psychologial Evaluation and Psychosocial Assessment
- Psychiatric Evaluation
- Nutritional Evaluation and Stabilization
- Multi-disciplinary Individualized Treatment Planning
- Individual Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Educational Lectures
- Recreation Therapy and Leisure Education
- Twelve Step Program
- Aftercare and Followup
When a loved one becomes sexually addicted, their behavior changes. To accommodate these changes in the addict, each family member changes his or her own behavior. Unfortunately, however, the accommodations and changes do not help, and family members feel confused, fearful, inadequate, unworthy and ashamed.
Rimrock Foundation helped pioneer the concept of family treatment because of our belief that addiction involves the entire family; each member suffers with the dependent person, and requires special care and attention. Our intensive family week program is designed to help each family member discover new, healthy ways to cope with life and recovery.
Diagnostic Evaluation
If you are not sure what the problem is, you may request a confidential outpatient assessment by calling (406) 248-3175 or toll free 1-800-227-3953. Based on the assessment results, we will refer you to the appropriate services.
Warning Signs of Sexual Addiction
- Have you ever thought you needed help for your sexual thinking or behavior?
- Do you resort to sex to escape, relieve anxiety, or because you can’t cope?
- Do you feel guilt, remorse, or depression afterward?
- Has your pursuit of sex become more compulsive?
- Does it interfere with relations with your spouse?
- Do you keep going from one relationship or lover to another?
- Does pursuit of sex make you careless for yourself or the welfare of your family or others?
- Do you lose time from work for it?
- Do you turn to a lower environment when pursuing sex?
Admissions
Most medical insurance plans cover all or part of the cost of care. Please call our business office and a financial counselor will help evaluate your coverage or assist in making financial arrangements
Our admissions staff will assist you and answer any questions you might have. Normal admission hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. A counselor is, however, on duty and can help you at all times, and admissions can occur 24 hours a day.
You can reach our admissions office by calling 406-248-3175 or 1-800-227-3953 toll free.
