SEX AND LOVE ADDICTION TREATMENT

Love Addiction

Being in love has different meanings to all of us and there are countless ways show it. In its purest and healthiest form, it is a deeply personal and intimate expression of vulnerability, a willingness to share all of ourselves – the good, bad, and the ugly – with a “cherished other,” and the emotional capacity to accept what that individual has to offer in return.

But what if that capacity doesn’t exist or is significantly limited?  Some people mistake intensity for intimacy, choosing inappropriate partners because they feel the excitement of being wanted, seen, and desired. To them, that is what love means. When that “high” inevitably wears off and the relationship becomes deeper and more intimate, they often find themselves unable to tolerate the difficult experiences and unpleasant emotions that are bound to arise in any relationship. Some may find themselves in a toxic or dangerous situation, while others may lose a sense of themselves as individuals and get lost in trying to hold on to their partner.

In the end love inevitably becomes loss, and the initial joy is followed by despair. This is love addiction.

SEX ADDICTION

Given that many in our society still has complicated beliefs about sex and sexuality, it’s important first to understand what sex addiction is not. It’s not a moral or ethical problem, or a religious issue. It’s not a sign of a broken relationship or an excuse to use for “behaving badly” by having affairs or cheating. Most importantly, it is not a way to pathologize alternative sexual identities and practices such as fetishes, BDSM and polyamory.

At its most basic, sex addiction means spending an inordinate and unhealthy amount of time fantasizing about, seeking, and engaging in sexual behaviors, resulting in negative consequences in every area of an individual’s life.  It is a search that becomes more desperate over time for the physical and psychological high that comes from achieving sexual gratification and the relief that comes with it. Just like with any other addiction, the need grows, the satisfaction diminishes, and the relief becomes more fleeting.  One then must seek more intense, more frequent, and sometimes more dangerous sexual outlets to try to manage difficult emotions and challenging relationships. The addict is never satisfied, and the hunger persists.

It is not about pleasure, and only leads to pain.

Sex and love addiction can feel isolating, confusing, and overwhelming. At Verve Behavioral Health, we understand that these struggles are real—and that recovery is possible with the right help. Our sex and love addiction treatment program provides compassionate, evidence-based care designed to help individuals break free from unhealthy cycles and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

UNDERSTANDING SEX AND LOVE ADDICTION WITH FAQ’s

Sex and love addiction are process addictions, where compulsive behaviors—not substances—become unmanageable.

• Sex addiction involves compulsive sexual behaviors such as pornography use, multiple partners, or risky sexual activity.

• Love addiction centers on obsessive or codependent attachments in relationships, often seeking validation or self-worth through romantic intensity.

What is the difference between a sex addiction and a love addiction?

Sex addiction is primarily driven by compulsive sexual activity, while love addiction is rooted in emotional dependency and the fear of being alone. Both conditions can overlap, but effective treatment distinguishes between the two so that healing can address both behavioral and relational aspects.

What Causes Sex and Love Addiction?

Sex addiction is rarely about sex itself. It often stems from underlying trauma, unmet emotional needs, or attempts to escape pain. Early childhood experiences, neglect, abuse, or attachment issues can all contribute.

What trauma leads to sex addiction?

Common traumatic experiences include sexual abuse, abandonment, or inconsistent caregiving during childhood. These events can disrupt healthy attachment and intimacy, leading to compulsive behaviors later in life.

Is sex addiction a mental illness?

Sex addiction is not classified the same way as substance use disorders, but it is recognized as a behavioral health condition. It often co-occurs with mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or personality disorders.

What Causes Sex and Love Addiction?

Sex addiction is rarely about sex itself. It often stems from underlying trauma, unmet emotional needs, or attempts to escape pain. Early childhood experiences, neglect, abuse, or attachment issues can all contribute.

What trauma leads to sex addiction?

Common traumatic experiences include sexual abuse, abandonment, or inconsistent caregiving during childhood. These events can disrupt healthy attachment and intimacy, leading to compulsive behaviors later in life.

Is sex addiction a mental illness?

Sex addiction is not classified the same way as substance use disorders, but it is recognized as a behavioral health condition. It often co-occurs with mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or personality disorders.

Symptoms of love addiction include:

Symptoms of sex addiction include:

OUR TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY

While there are no medications specifically designed to address these addictions, research shows that specific forms of therapy can be effective at identifying and eliminating the thought-patterns that lead to these self-destructive behaviors. Oftentimes, identifying and addressing a client’s co-occurring mental health problems – such as an underlying anxiety disorder, trauma, or mood disorder – can greatly decrease symptoms of a sex and love addiction.

Treatment at Verve Behavioral Health

Here at The Verve, we don’t just stop the behavior we address the root causes.

What is the best treatment for sex addiction?

The most effective treatment combines therapy, peer support, and holistic care:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Restructures destructive thinking patterns.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Builds values-based resilience.

• Trauma-Informed Care: Heals unresolved wounds fueling addictive behaviors.

• Holistic Practices: Mindfulness, yoga, and stress reduction to reconnect mind and body.

This integrated model ensures clients address both compulsive behaviors and underlying emotional health.

At The Verve, we tailor individualized programs to treat sex and love addiction – not through a cookie-cutter recovery process, but through an intense one-on-one therapy program that helps clients identify their most problematic behaviors, develop healthier coping skills for emotional and psychological pain, and become a more fully integrated individual. All with a dedicated support network in the form of the Verve community.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PEER TREATMENT AT THE VERVE

At The Verve, we partner each client with a peer professional. We value peer-to-peer treatment and believe that developing a bond with a single treatment professional can further strengthen a client’s recovery.

As the treatment process continues, a client’s needs may change and evolve. The scope of their treatment is adjusted accordingly, as is the evaluation of their condition, and the appropriate treatment modalities.

We don’t believe in the idea of short-term treatment, or that an encompassing and comprehensive recovery process can be achieved in a few weeks. Our peer work is meant to emphasize that interpersonal bonds and community support play a central role in the treatment of conditions like sex and love addiction.

Levels of Care Here at The Verve

We recognize that every individual’s journey is unique. That’s why our treatment program offers multiple levels of care:

• Outpatient Programs (OP): Flexible treatment for those balancing recovery with work, school, or family.

• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): Structured therapy several days per week for deeper support.

• Aftercare Planning: Continued guidance and relapse-prevention strategies after program completion.

Why Choose Verve Behavioral Health?

Choosing the right treatment center matters. Here’s what sets our program apart:

• Specialized Expertise: Clinicians experienced in sex and love addiction.

• Personalized Care: Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual.

• Safe, Confidential Environment: A space where clients can share openly.

• Focus on Relationships: Healing goes beyond stopping behaviors—we help rebuild authentic intimacy.

It’s not just about getting a fresh start. It’s about committing to recovery and investing in the relationships that make the recovery process possible in the first place.

When working with us at The Verve, you can expect evidence-based treatments, and a support-centric recovery process that helps clients connect with other peers in their environment, as well as reconnect with friends and family.

Take the Next Step Toward Healing

If you or someone you love is struggling with compulsive relationship or sexual behaviors, Verve Behavioral Health can help. Our sex and love addiction treatment program provides the tools and support necessary to build a healthier future.

Contact us today to speak with a caring admissions specialist and begin your recovery journey.

Don’t let sex and love addiction control your life any longer. Get started with us today by calling (202) 816-6006 or sending us a message via our contact form. Give us a call to learn more about our different programs, to schedule an appointment, or to talk to a treatment professional.