SEXUAL & RELATIONAL ADDICTION TREATMENT

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🔒 All centres in our network are private facilities. This service does not provide access to public or free treatment.
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Understanding the Problem

Understanding Sexual and Relational Addiction

Sexual addiction and relational addictions — including love addiction, chemsex, and pornography addiction — are compulsive behavioural patterns that hijack the brain’s reward system in ways identical to substance addiction. The compulsive pursuit of sexual stimulation, romantic intensity, or altered states during sex creates escalating cycles that are extremely difficult to break without professional support.

Shame, secrecy, and stigma make these addictions particularly isolating. EAC offers confidential, specialist assessment and treatment in Barcelona for all forms of sexual and relational addiction — without judgement.

Types of Sexual & Relational Addiction

Types of Sexual & Relational Addiction

Sexual and relational addictions take different forms, each with its own patterns and risks. A personalised assessment allows us to design the most effective therapeutic approach.

Sex Addiction

Sexual addiction involves compulsive sexual thoughts and behaviours that cause significant distress and life impairment, despite repeated attempts to control them.

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Pornography Addiction

Compulsive pornography use rewires reward circuits, causing escalating tolerance and profound negative effects on real-world sexual and relational functioning.

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Chemsex Addiction

Chemsex — the use of psychoactive substances to facilitate or enhance sexual activity — creates a powerful dual addiction combining sexual compulsion with substance dependence.

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«Shame is not a treatment. At EAC, we approach sexual and relational addiction with the same clinical rigour and compassion we apply to all addictions — because recovery requires safety, not judgement.»

Why Treatment Cannot Wait

The Consequences of Untreated Sexual Addiction

Without professional intervention, this addiction progressively deteriorates all aspects of the affected person’s life. Understanding these consequences is fundamental to recognising the urgency of seeking specialist help.

Relationship destruction and profound isolation

Sexual addiction systematically destroys intimate relationships through compulsive infidelity, deception, and emotional unavailability. Partners experience profound trauma. Without treatment, progressive isolation and relational dysfunction become the norm.

Severe mental health consequences

Chronic shame, self-loathing, and the secrecy required to maintain addictive behaviour generate severe anxiety, depression, and risk of suicidal ideation. Co-occurring trauma and attachment disorders are common and require integrated treatment.

Professional and social consequences

Sexual addiction causes absences, reduced productivity, and in cases involving illegal behaviour or workplace incidents, career-ending consequences. Social relationships outside the immediate relationship also deteriorate as the addiction progresses.

Sexual health risks

Compulsive and unprotected sexual contact significantly elevates risks of HIV, other STIs, and — in chemsex — blood-borne virus transmission. These health consequences are serious, treatable, and should never be a barrier to seeking help.

Our Treatment Programme

A Programme Built Around You

Our evidence-based treatment programme combines medically supervised care, individual therapy, group work, and comprehensive aftercare support. We design each programme around the specific needs of the individual.

  • 1

    Comprehensive Initial Assessment

    Your treatment begins with a thorough psychological and sexual health assessment conducted by clinicians experienced in treating compulsive sexual behaviour. We explore the history, patterns, and triggers of your behaviour, as well as any underlying trauma, attachment wounds, or co-occurring mental health conditions. This compassionate, non-judgemental evaluation forms the foundation of your personalised treatment plan.

  • 2

    Psychological Stabilisation

    Unlike substance addictions, sex addiction does not require medical detoxification, but many clients experience intense emotional and psychological withdrawal when compulsive behaviours cease. We provide round-the-clock support during this adjustment period, managing symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and intrusive thoughts. Our team helps you develop immediate coping strategies to manage urges and navigate the discomfort of early abstinence.

  • 3

    Evidence-Based Psychotherapy

    Our therapeutic approach integrates cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to address distorted thinking patterns, trauma-focused therapy to heal underlying wounds, and attachment-based interventions to rebuild healthy intimacy skills. We also utilise acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to help you develop psychological flexibility and values-based living. Individual sessions create a safe space to explore shame, sexuality, and the root causes of compulsive behaviour.

  • 4

    Holistic Wellbeing Support

    We incorporate mindfulness practices, somatic therapy, and body-awareness work to help you reconnect with physical sensations in healthy ways and regulate your nervous system. Nutritional support, exercise, and sleep optimisation address the physical depletion that often accompanies sex addiction. Creative therapies and nature-based activities provide alternative sources of pleasure, connection, and meaning.

  • 5

    Relapse Prevention Planning

    We work closely with you to identify your specific triggers—including emotional states, relationship dynamics, stress, boredom, or environmental cues—and develop concrete strategies to manage them. You’ll learn to recognise the early warning signs of relapse and create a detailed action plan that includes healthy outlets, support contacts, and boundary-setting techniques. Developing a sustainable model of healthy sexuality aligned with your values is central to long-term recovery.

  • 6

    Aftercare & Alumni Support

    Continuing care is essential for sex addiction recovery, and the centers provide structured aftercare including ongoing therapy, support group connections, and alumni programmes. We help you integrate into communities that support sexual health and recovery, whether 12-step groups, SMART Recovery, or specialised sex addiction support networks. Regular check-ins and ongoing clinical support ensure you maintain progress and navigate challenges as they arise.

«La adición sexual es una de las adicciones más estigmatizadas y, al mismo tiempo, una de las más tratables. En EAC, ofrecemos un espacio completamente confidencial donde puedes hablar abiertamente y recibir la ayuda que mereces.»

Do You Recognise This?

Warning Signs

If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or a loved one, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible.

Persistent sexual thoughts or urges that are intrusive and difficult to control

Continued sexual behaviour despite serious negative consequences for relationships, health, or career

Repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop compulsive sexual behaviour

Using sex, pornography, or romantic intensity to escape negative emotions or stress

Escalating need for more intense, risky, or varied sexual stimulation (tolerance)

Intense shame, guilt, or despair following sexual behaviour, alternating with compulsion to repeat it

Recognising these signs is the first step.

Seeking help is the next. You do not need to have reached a crisis to deserve support. Early treatment leads to better outcomes.

Our lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Addiction and Its Treatment

We understand you have many questions about this addiction and the recovery process. Below we answer the most common questions raised by patients and their families.

Our admissions team is available 24 hours a day. All enquiries are completely confidential.

The optimal length of residential treatment for sex addiction typically ranges from 28 to 90 days, depending on the severity of the addiction, presence of trauma, and any co-occurring mental health conditions. Many clients benefit from extended care beyond initial residential treatment, transitioning to outpatient programmes or intensive day therapy. Recovery is a long-term process, and most individuals continue some form of therapeutic support, whether individual counselling or group work, for at least the first year to establish solid foundations and prevent relapse.

Absolutely. We maintain the strictest standards of confidentiality in accordance with European data protection laws and medical ethics. All aspects of your assessment, treatment, and medical records are completely private and secure. We understand that discretion is particularly important for individuals seeking treatment for sex addiction, and our network of centres is designed to protect your privacy at every level. Information is only shared with your explicit written consent or in the rare circumstances required by law.

Sex addiction withdrawal is primarily psychological rather than physical, but it can still be intensely uncomfortable. Common symptoms include anxiety, irritability, restlessness, depression, intense cravings, difficulty concentrating, and intrusive sexual thoughts or images. Some individuals experience disrupted sleep, mood swings, and a temporary loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. While not medically dangerous in the way that alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal can be, the emotional intensity can feel overwhelming without proper support. Our network’s clinical teams provides comprehensive care during this period, using therapeutic techniques and, when appropriate, medication to manage symptoms and ensure your comfort and safety.

While there is no specific medication for sex addiction itself, our psychiatrists may prescribe medications to address co-occurring conditions or manage symptoms that fuel compulsive behaviour. Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, can help with underlying depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive features. In some cases, medications that reduce testosterone levels or libido may be considered under careful medical supervision. Mood stabilisers or anti-anxiety medications may be used short-term to support emotional regulation during early recovery. All medication decisions are made collaboratively, based on your individual needs and medical history.

Yes, and this is actually the norm rather than the exception. Sex addiction very frequently co-occurs with depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, attachment disorders, ADHD, or other process addictions. Our integrated dual diagnosis approach treats both conditions simultaneously, recognising that they often reinforce each other. Addressing underlying mental health issues is essential for sustainable recovery from sex addiction, as compulsive sexual behaviour is often a maladaptive coping mechanism for emotional pain or psychological distress. The specialist teams at our partner centres create a unified treatment plan that addresses all aspects of your mental health.

Yes. With proper treatment and ongoing support, full recovery from sex addiction is entirely possible. Thousands of individuals have successfully overcome compulsive sexual behaviour and rebuilt healthy, fulfilling intimate lives aligned with their values. Recovery requires honest self-examination, consistent therapeutic work, and usually ongoing connection to support communities, but the outcomes can be transformative. Many people find that addressing sex addiction leads to deeper personal growth, improved relationships, and greater overall life satisfaction than they experienced even before the addiction developed. Recovery is not just possible—it’s achievable, and you deserve that opportunity.

We understand that reaching out for help often comes at a crisis point, and we prioritise rapid access to care. In many cases, we can arrange admission within 24 to 48 hours of your initial contact. Our admissions team is available to conduct a confidential telephone assessment, discuss your specific situation, and coordinate all practical arrangements including travel and insurance verification. We work efficiently to remove barriers to treatment so you can begin your recovery journey as quickly as possible.

Family involvement is highly beneficial when appropriate and desired, though it’s always tailored to your specific situation and preferences. Partners and family members are often significantly affected by sex addiction, and we offer dedicated support for them, including psychoeducation, couples therapy, and family sessions. These interventions help rebuild trust, improve communication, and create a supportive environment for recovery. However, we also respect that some clients may need to focus initially on individual healing, particularly if trauma or family dysfunction contributed to the addiction. The level of family involvement is decided collaboratively with you.

Successful recovery from sex addiction requires ongoing support beyond residential treatment. Our network’s clinical teams develop a comprehensive aftercare plan before you leave, which typically includes continued individual therapy, participation in support groups specifically for sex addiction, and regular check-ins with our network’s clinical teams. Many clients transition to our outpatient or day programme, allowing continued intensive support while resuming daily responsibilities. We also connect you with community resources, 12-step groups such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) or Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), and our alumni network. Long-term recovery is built through sustained connection, accountability, and continued personal development.

Available 24/7 · +34 000 000 000 · All enquiries are completely confidential

Available 24/7 · +34 000 000 000 · All enquiries are completely confidential