Sex Addiction Treatments

Stress is defined as the reaction that the body and brain have to any negative change. Trauma takes place when that stress is consistent over a period of time, or when the impact of the brain and stressor are more intense. When an individual experiences trauma, the brain changes. This is a result of neural plasticity. The trauma that a partner experiences when he or she discovers that their intimate partner or significant other has been sexually unfaithful is involved with sexual addiction or other problematic sexual behavior is called Betrayal Trauma. The only appropriate lenses to view this trauma through is a post-traumatic stress lens.
At Paradise Creek we know that for most individuals who come into treatment, there is a suffering partner. That is why we help to educate the client on how their behaviors impact their loved ones and assist them in the process of beginning to repair those relationships. The journey of the partner is unique to them and is equally important to that of the person in treatment at Paradise Creek. Although we do not treat the partners at home, we can provide referrals if needed to qualified professionals. We also want to include them in some virtual couples sessions if they are willing.

Based upon the patient’s clinical needs, he may participate in couples or family therapy. Including family members and significant others is imperative if successful treatment outcomes are to be reached. At Paradise Creek, as part of the overall treatment process, family members will be invited into the therapeutic process either by telephone, or other computerized methods. This can be a great help to facilitate relationship repair and increase empathy.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment that has been developed to assist patients who are suffering from trauma. The treatment can also be used to help reduce symptoms of other psychological disorders as well. The treatment focuses on stimulating each of the hemispheres of the brain intermittently, similar to what the brain does during REM sleep. By doing this in an awake and conscious state and targeting specific traumatic memories or events, the impact of the trauma can be reduced. The patient does not lose conscious memory of what happened but often time they are able to put it in a different place and effectively move forward without living in the past. Each patient will generally have a series of EMDR sessions during their stay at Paradise Creek.

The evaluation phase of treatment consists of the patient’s first seven days at the center. During this phase the patient undergoes a multiphasic evaluation. The results of this evaluation are then used to develop an individualized treatment plan which is then explained to the patient and his family. We want to make sure that the patient and family are fully aware of what the treatment goals are and what is to be expected in treatment.

Patients will participate in experiential/activity groups that focus on recovery principles. Once per week, patients attend recreational activities that may include the ropes courses, camp fires, hikes, art, and other forms of therapeutic expression. Daily, participants attend an activity group that consists of arts and crafts projects, game nights, movie nights, building projects, service projects and many more. These groups help build skills such as problem solving, strategy, open-mindedness, compassion, and empathy.

Patients are encouraged to participate in daily exercise which may include using treadmills and other exercise equipment, walking on a walking trial and yoga. Combining mind and body health greatly contributes to the ability one has to get sober and research shows that participating in regular exercise helps to increase the neural plasticity of the brain.

Each patient will participate in between daily group sessions. Group therapy assists the patient in acquiring necessary support and begins the process of achieving sobriety. Focus is spent on understanding brain science behind sexual addiction and assisting patients in completing task work designed to help facilitate recovery.

Each patient will meet with a qualified therapist in multiple intensive individual sessions throughout the week. Focus is spent on assisting the patient in identifying core issues that contribute to their addiction and beginning the process of resolving them. Focus is also spent on addressing underlying mental health, trauma and family issues that are part of the overall clinical picture. Time is also spent on assisting the patient to understand, internalize and complete work on the 30 Task Model developed by Dr. Patrick Carnes. We also take a strong interpersonal neurobiological approach, using the techniques of Cognitive Neural Restructuring Therapy. This model is based off principles of neural plasticity, which states that the brain can change with experience. Ultimately, that is what needs to happen in order to establish long term sobriety and recovery. This process begins at Paradise Creek and can continue with the appropriate follow up care upon leaving Paradise Creek.

Each patient will have an opportunity to meet with a licensed health care provider as part of the evaluation phase of treatment. A complete medical history will be taken as well as mental health history. Medication management can be provided on a case by case basis.

A complete mental health assessment will be provided by a mental health professional. During this part of the evaluation co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, OCD, impulse control disorders, etc. will be explored in order that they are addressed as part of the treatment process.

Each patient might have an opportunity to participate in biofeedback therapy, based upon the patient’s treatment plan. Neuro-feedback traditionally refers to biofeedback conducted with brain waves. There are a number of different wave frequencies in the brain. Slower brain waves are associated with relaxation and imagery. Faster brain waves are associated with stress, phobias, trauma and ADD/ADHD. Neuro-feedback assists the patient in gaining significant control over their own brain wave frequencies. This in turn helps to increase and even eliminate their symptomatic patterns of stress, anxiety, phobias and PTSD. They are also able to manage ADD/ADHD symptoms. Neuro-feedback can also be used to treat depression. There is significant research that shows neuro-feedback is a successful treatment modality for generalized anxiety disorder, anger, panic disorder, PTSD, general muscle tension, phobias, depression, ADD/ADHD and addictions.

Each patient might have an opportunity to participate in biofeedback therapy, based upon the patient’s treatment plan. Neuro-feedback traditionally refers to biofeedback conducted with brain waves. There are a number of different wave frequencies in the brain. Slower brain waves are associated with relaxation and imagery. Faster brain waves are associated with stress, phobias, trauma and ADD/ADHD. Neuro-feedback assists the patient in gaining significant control over their own brain wave frequencies. This in turn helps to increase and even eliminate their symptomatic patterns of stress, anxiety, phobias and PTSD. They are also able to manage ADD/ADHD symptoms. Neuro-feedback can also be used to treat depression. There is significant research that shows neuro-feedback is a successful treatment modality for generalized anxiety disorder, anger, panic disorder, PTSD, general muscle tension, phobias, depression, ADD/ADHD and addictions.

Pornography addiction, sometimes referred to as problematic pornography use (PPU) is a common form of sex addiction. Pornography has changed over the past several years. Compared to 30 years ago when virtually all pornography was accessed via print or video tapes, most pornography is electronic and is accessed and stored digitally. As a result, individuals have 24-hour access to viewing pornography. The intensity and range of material that is available has also changed significantly.
At Paradise Creek we understand how individuals can get caught in the addictive trap. We also understand the devastation this can have upon relationships, including marriages and families. Pornography addiction rarely exists without trauma also being present. Sometimes the trauma may contribute to the addiction and other times the trauma may occur within the addicted individual himself and almost always exists within the family system, as a result of the problematic pornography use. At Paradise Creek, we will work hard to help you not only resolve the addiction issues and break free of the compulsion to view pornography, we will work with you on the trauma issues and help you to begin to repair damaged relationships. All of our providers have specific training in treating pornography addiction issues.

Patients participate in Principles of Recovery seminars 5 times per week during their time at Paradise Creek. These seminars specifically focus on addiction and recovery issues as well as the brain science behind sexual addiction.

Each patient, in conjunction with their therapist will develop a relapse prevention plan while they are at Paradise Creek. This will include a schedule for ongoing treatment and an outline of what they can do as well as what they must avoid in order to stay sober. A Paradise Creek staff member will also make periodic contacts with the patient to follow their progress. In addition, alumni are invited to participate in the weekly After Care group, free of charge.

Dr. Patrick Carnes, the pioneer of sexual addiction treatment, developed the 30 Task Model. This model consists of 30 specific tasks that, if accomplished, greatly strengthens one’s ability to obtain and maintain sobriety. This model is incorporated as part of the overall treatment program and in connection with other successful models of treatment.

PCRC offers intensive treatment for individuals who have been involved with child pornography and other online sexual offenses. We know that there is a person behind each offense that gets an individual involved in the legal system. Often, that individual is hurting in his own life and dealing with his own trauma history. At PCRC, we don’t just address the specific child pornography or offending issues. We focus on the patients’ trauma and events that led up to the choice to cross legal boundaries. We also focus on attachment issues that can help the patient strengthen his connections to others that when done effectively, will help to reduce the chances of acting out in the future.
Much of the work consists of helping the patient in reducing his shame, taking responsibility for his actions and then developing empathy for others, and identifying how his behaviors have impacted others. When this is done, true recovery takes place.