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Conditions We Treat

Sex, Love, and Co-dependency Addiction Rehab Treatment

Written By Stuart Croft
Reviewed By Tiffany Green
Medically Reviewed By Wajahat Choudhry
Updated January 11, 2023

While sex, love, and co-dependency addiction issues are distinct conditions with their own sets of symptoms and negative effects on an individual’s overall well-being, all three of these conditions are characterised as complex emotional and psychological disorders that manifest in unhealthy, obsessive, and dependent patterns in relationships. Past traumas, unmet emotional needs, and the inability to draw and enforce healthy boundaries within interpersonal relationships can all contribute to these conditions, and, left untreated, these disorders inevitably lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, and isolation. 

At Gladstones Clinic, we understand the intricacies of these addictions. Our treatment approach is sensitive and holistic, addressing the psychological roots and emotional triggers of these behaviours. Our programmes are designed to help individuals develop healthy relationship skills, establish boundaries, and foster self-esteem, all while maintaining the strictest levels of confidentiality and respect for their privacy. With our expert team of experienced psychologists and therapists, clients can embark on a journey towards sustainable recovery and healthier relationships that contribute to a connected and fulfilling life.

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Learn more about sex, love, and co-dependency addiction

How do sex addiction, love addiction, and co-dependency issues differ from each other?

Sex addiction is usually defined as the inability to control sexual urges and behaviours. It could manifest in a variety of ways, including obsessive or uncontrollable urges to masturbate (seen as a specific subset of sex addiction), compulsive porn addiction, or seeking sexual gratification from a partner and/or sex workers. Sex addicts often don’t realise they have a problem as they see sex as an act of pleasure, a harmless way to relieve stress and a means of escape from the sometimes harsh reality of their lives. This often complicates getting someone into treatment and can lead to the destruction of intimate relationships, self-respect, finances, careers, and, in some cases, physical health. Sex addiction treatment can help one develop a healthy and rewarding attitude towards sex.

Co-dependency issues often stem from a sense of low self-esteem and worthlessness. Individuals with co-dependency addiction are likely to seek out and form relationships with people they perceive to need their help as a means to feel validated and useful. They believe that by rescuing others, they will derive a sense of self-worth. This behaviour can lead to exhaustion, financial distress, anxiety, and health problems as they put the needs of others before their own, neglecting their own personal responsibilities in favour of helping others. 

Love addicts form unhealthy obsessions with their lover or partner to the point where their whole lives revolve around the happiness and approval of a single person. More often than not, this leads to a one-sided relationship where one partner desperately seeks the approval of the other. This can cause an imbalance in a healthy give-and-take relationship, resulting in feelings of resentment and anxiety about the future of the relationship. Love addiction can also play a role in unhealthy and abusive relationships. The addict becomes powerless to end the relationship, even when they are aware that it is no longer healthy and only serves to hurt and break them down.

When to seek help for sex, love, and co-dependency addiction

Love, sexuality, and interpersonal relationships bring so much joy and fulfilment to our lives. They enrich them in ways that personal experiences, achievements, and earthly possessions cannot. However, when mental health disorders or addictions distort our ideas of what is normal and healthy, these greatest pleasures in life can quickly give way to stress, anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of suicide. 

If you or a loved one has experienced any of these signs that your ‘relationship with relationships’ isn’t what it should be, please get in contact with Gladstones Clinic and allow us to help you reconnect with what is important and revive the healthy joys of sex, intimacy, lovers, and friendship.

What happens in sex, love, and co-dependency addiction therapy?

1. Addiction Assessment & Consultation

Sex, love, and co-dependency issues are often tied to deeper psychological disorders. Understanding the depth and nature of your addiction through a thorough assessment allows us to create a personalised strategy designed to address your specific issues and take your unique set of circumstances into consideration.

2. Behavioural Therapies

Behavioural therapy for sex, love, and co-dependency addiction often includes a combination of therapies and typically includes both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) in both a one-on-one and group therapy setting. These therapies allow you to challenge and change negative beliefs and behaviours, enabling you to relate to others more healthily. It also teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills.

We understand that sex, love, and co-dependency issues are highly personal. At your request, we can structure your therapy as daycare with one-on-one sessions only, avoiding group sessions altogether.

3. Addressing Underlying Issues

Factors such as past trauma, poor self-esteem, and co-occurring mental health disorders all contribute to sex, love, and co-dependency addiction. By addressing these root causes through targeted therapy, you can begin to heal and develop healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.

4. Secondary Care, Tertiary Care, and Aftercare

Sex, love, and co-dependency rehab is a continuing journey. While one-on-one sessions and group therapy both promote healthier thought patterns and start the recovery process, unforeseen challenges and setbacks in real life can undo good progress if you find yourself without support. Our secondary, tertiary, and aftercare programmes include access to Gladstones Clinic resources, including therapy sessions when needed, as well as access to our growing, caring, and compassionate community of individuals who support and continuously motivate each other towards a full recovery.

Get professional help in dealing with sex, love, and co-dependency addiction

When sex, love, and co-dependency addictions start affecting your happiness and outlook on life, Gladstones Clinic can help you regain control and set healthy boundries.

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