Four decades of healing history, the top experts in an often-misunderstood field, and the most advanced approaches to address a wide range sexual addiction and behavioral disorders.
Our comprehensive program addresses sexual addictions, unresolved trauma, and co-occurring issues, going beyond symptoms to explore root issues and lay the groundwork for lasting healing.
Group and one-on-one therapy are just the beginning. We employ a wide range of methods and modalities, including valuable peer support, to address each person’s unique needs.
Let us help you determine if our program is right for your situation, discuss insurance coverage, payment options, and let you know what to expect upon arriving at treatment.
Change takes work, but it can’t be harder than living with unresolved addiction, trauma, and other disorders. If you or someone you love needs help, we’re ready and waiting.
The sex-drug connection and how it harms
It is not uncommon for sexual addiction issues to lead to drug addiction, and vice versa. Those who are misusing drugs may find it easier to engage in promiscuous behavior when they are under the influence. This unhealthy dynamic not only creates an association of drug use with sex, but neural pathways also become affected by both behaviors.
Trauma is often the underlying issue involved in both drug addiction and sexual addiction. When an individual is unable to cope with their psychological issues in a healthy way, they often turn to drugs and sex to relieve the burden they feel. The link between drugs and sexual addiction is further reinforced when people want to escape the emotional consequences of their actions.
Men with sexual addiction have behavior that is compelled by a biochemical process, and when they reflect on their behavior in a sober light, feelings of guilt and remorse often cause them to feel devastated. To avoid the painful emotions associated with their behavior, they will again turn to drugs or sex. At Gentle Path, we work with our patients to help them recognize and understand the role drug abuse disorder plays in their sexual addiction issues and help them stop the destructive cycle.
Opiates are typically prescribed for treating pain, so using something that a doctor gives out may start as a harmless and voluntary act, but in time it can develop into a dangerous habit. In the beginning, drug use may seem to work to self-medicate, minimizing emotional and physical pain. As prolonged drug use continues, though, it only makes the original issues worse and can severely impacting an individual’s brain chemistry, resulting in addiction.
This strong stimulant can leave users with intense feelings of happiness or agitation. It is also highly addictive and can cause serious physical damage to the brain and heart. For sex addicts, it may also increase their drive to act out and obsessively engage in sexual activities, making for a truly dangerous duo.
Crystal meth (crystallized methamphetamine) is a highly addictive drug that affects the central nervous system. Use of meth can lead to feelings of elation and excitement. It can also fuel a sex addict’s need to engage in risky and inappropriate sexual behaviors that they may not ordinarily engage in when sober.
Stimulant drugs like cocaine and meth activate the same part of the brain that sexual acting out does, causing those who engage in both of these behaviors to quickly — and often dangerously — lose control of the amount and frequency of use. Some individuals who abuse stimulants and act out sexually at the same time can lose track of hours, days, and sometimes weeks.
Whatever the substance used, drug addiction can have far-reaching physical and emotional effects that are only compounded by a co-occurring sexual addiction.
Physical effects of drug misuse:
Mental/emotional effects of drug misuse:
These complex issues need comprehensive treatment. Our sexual addiction treatment program at Gentle Path can provide inpatient psychiatric care and substance detox in the acute care section of our unit, which has 24-hour monitoring by registered nurses and nursing staff experienced in psychiatric and detox issues.
Featured Article
What is chemsex? On the surface, “chemsex” is generally what it sounds like: using substances to enhance or disinhibit sexual experiences. Specifically, however, chemsex refers to a growing trend among gay men who pair drugs like crystal meth, MDMA, GHB, cocaine, and mephedrone with sexual experiences to intensify or prolong them. The combination of these drugs and sex can lead to addiction, pushing users to engage in riskier behaviors to continue to feel the same high. Chemsex addiction can cause mental and physical health issues, but with treatment, those who are suffering from this condition can begin to heal and live fulfilling lives in recovery.
Gentle Path is a safe, nurturing community composed of peers where your journey of recovery will include not just dealing with outward behaviors but examining the underlying causes. The goal is to gain the courage to face difficult issues (including grief and loss), heal from emotional trauma, and become accountable for your feelings, behaviors, and recovery.
Taking that first step is hard, but there’s a new life of health and hope just waiting for you. The next chapter of your life can begin now, but only you can change your story.
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