
One common approach within any form of addiction recovery involves looking into past traumas that may be influencing addiction, including childhood traumas or events. Sex addiction is no exception, and there can be connections between childhood sexual trauma and sex addiction later in life.
At Desert Solace, we’re here to offer sex addiction therapy programs across Arizona, Nevada, Idaho and Utah, with certified sex addiction therapists and staff dedicated to assisting you or someone close to you in sex addiction recovery. Here are some of the kinds of childhood sexual trauma or abuse that can take place, plus how these can connect to sex addiction later in life – and how sex addiction therapy will look to address these issues head-on.
Kinds of Childhood Sexual Trauma
While there are many sub-categories here, most forms of childhood sexual trauma can be grouped into two broad categories:
- Overt: This type of trauma is easier to recognize, and may include sexual abuse, molestation or rape. These situations are usually perpetrated by someone the child knows, such as a family member or close friend.
- Covert: A bit more subtle, this form of trauma is often emotional in nature – it doesn’t always involve direct physical contact. Examples here might include threats of violence or exposure to inappropriate content.
In some cases, children will experience both overt and covert forms of sexual trauma during their childhoods. Regardless, these experiences can leave lasting impacts that manifest themselves later on.
This is often true whether these traumas were singular in nature or chronic. Even a single, isolated traumatic event in childhood can lead to sex addiction as an adult.
Often Coupled With Other Forms of Trauma
Sadly, childhood sexual trauma is often coupled with other forms of abuse or trauma, which can compound the effects. Children who experience sexual traumas are also more likely to be exposed to other types of abuse, such as physical or emotional abuse. Additionally, children who witness domestic violence or come from dysfunctional families may be at a higher risk for experiencing childhood sexual trauma.
Trauma and Enduring Shame
One of the most common and often severe consequences of childhood sexual trauma is the feeling of shame and self-blame that can linger long after the abuse has ended. Many survivors may feel like they are to blame for the traumatic events, which can lead to feelings of worthlessness, low self-esteem and self-hatred.
Furthermore, the secrecy and silence that often surrounds sexual abuse can compound these feelings of shame, making it difficult for survivors to seek help or speak out about their experiences. This sense of shame and self-blame can also contribute to the development of sex addiction as a coping mechanism.
Connection with Sex Addiction
One way to cope with these intense negative emotions is by turning to addictive behaviors or substances. For some, this may manifest as sex addiction – seeking out constant validation, attention and physical pleasure as a way to numb the pain and shame from their past traumas.
While not all individuals who have experienced childhood sexual trauma will develop sex addiction, studies have shown a strong correlation between the two.
The Need for Control
In many cases, a major factor that ties together childhood sexual trauma and sex addiction is the need for control. Survivors of sexual abuse often feel like they had no control over their own bodies during their traumatic experiences, leading to a desire for control in other aspects of life.
This can manifest as an obsession with controlling one’s sexual urges and behaviors, or seeking out power dynamics in sexual relationships. In either case, the root cause is often linked back to past traumas and a desire for control in some aspect of life.
Addressing Trauma in Sex Addiction Therapy
Luckily, there is hope for individuals struggling with sex addiction as a result of childhood sexual trauma. Sex addiction therapy at Desert Solace is designed to address the underlying causes and traumas that may be driving addictive behaviors.
Through individual counseling, group therapy, and specialized techniques, our certified therapists work with clients to process past traumas, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and regain control over their lives.
It’s important to acknowledge and address the connection between childhood sexual trauma and sex addiction in order to fully heal and recover from both. At Desert Solace, we’re committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals seeking help on their journey towards recovery. Contact us for sex addiction recovery programs in Arizona, Nevada, Idaho or Utah.
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