Sex Addiction Treatment
WHAT IS SEX ADDICTION?
Sexual compulsivity, addiction and hyper-sexuality are all ways to define an unhealthy relationship with aspects of sex.
Because there are so many different ways for people to be sexual, the phrase ‘act out’ will be used in the following text in order to describe addictive or compulsive behaviour.
As with any addictive process, we look for dysfunction in the following key areas:
- Preoccupation - obsessive thoughts, fantasy, loss of interest in other pursuits.
- Loss of control - attempts to reduce or stop the acting out behaviour(s) fail.
- Acting out - despite negative consequences.
There is no definitive list of specific behaviours because people can sexualise many things.
Instead we look at factors such as progression of the illness and its effect on the individual as well as those around them.
With current technology and media, people of all ages are bombarded with mixed messages or triggers daily, without having to actively seek them out.
Technology plays a huge role in hyper-sexuality and sexual addiction can be difficult to identify and diagnose because the visible effects are not as obvious as those of chemicals. It is much easier to recognise someone who is intoxicated than to know when somebody has just sexually acted out.
When considering sex addiction, it may be useful to ask yourself the following questions:
- Does thinking about sex take up more and more of your time?
- Does sexual activity leave you feeling a sense of shame or remorse?
- Have you had repeated attempts at controlling the way you act sexually?
- Do you hide the sexual choices you make in your life?
- Is anybody (including you) hurt or abused in your sexual encounters? Are they consensual?

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Fahd SH30/04/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This retreat isn’t just a luxury escape—it’s an investment in yourself. It’s the real deal. It’s not always easy, and at times it’s uncomfortable, because growth rarely comes without challenge. But if you’re ready to do the inner work, there’s no better place to start. The digital detox was one of the most powerful parts for me. Stepping away from the constant buzz of phones, messages, and social media gave me the clarity to really listen—to myself. No distractions, no filters, just truth. The environment was safe, peaceful, and supportive, with every detail—from the food to the workshops—designed to help you dig deeper and reset. The team behind it genuinely cares and it shows in everything they do. Being there is something you do when you’re ready to elevate—when you want more from life, from yourself. It’s hard to put into words how much I’ve taken away from this experience, but I know I left lighter, stronger, and more aligned. Show up for yourself. You won’t regret it. Colin Salsbury16/04/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What a life changing experience. I was lost and in danger of losing everything due to my unhealthy and destructive relationship with alcohol . I needed help and the wonderful staff at Camino were there for me. They helped me to understand the root causes of my addiction and behaviours. I am now in recovery and living the life I should have lived before. I cannot thank them enough and I am incredibly grateful for their dedication and ongoing support to maintain my now rewarding , fulfilling and happy life. Harry Findlay14/04/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Life-changing in every way possible. I spent 10 weeks here, and it was a massive shock to the system. It provided me with the tools to cope with my dysfunctional life. I arrived a broken man at my wits' end and left on the pathway to a much better life. Using the tools I learnt here, I have been able to manage the tricky problems we face, which previously would have derailed me and left me in a pit of sorrow pain and addiction. Simply, I owe my life to this center. Ameet is the most wonderfully gifted man whom I will always cherish having had the pleasure of knowing and spending time with. All the other staff were fantastic, with the exception of Nadia who left while I was there. It was both the hardest and the best thing I have ever done. It's hard to put into words, really. H Rachael Keates19/03/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Coming from a mother's point of view, I was desperate as my son had heavy addictions. It took 6 months for him to enter Camino Recovery. Mier was there for me prior to him entering. I cannot thank her enough for her support and patience. Once he entered Camino, I could breathe again. He was in the hands of Amit and a beautiful team/family in Camino. My son has regained his life and his light. Camino has lead all of us on a path of healing, education on addiction, and co-dependancy. I am forever grateful and I highly recommend Camino. Glenn18/03/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a parent, I can’t recommend them enough. The level of care, empathy and expertise was amazing and helped a family member through a very tough time. Not only is it the on site services, but calls we had and also the follow up afterwards - super team. I’d give 10 stars if it was possible. Pierre Wingfield07/10/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is an amazing place run by amazing people, it changed my life immeasurably and going was the best decision I ever made. There's not much more to say than that. Also that any rehab / trauma centre will have 1 star reviews as the people who go are very unwell and the methods are tough, having your emotional crutches taken away etc. These methods were also totally necessary and healing in my case. I can't say for sure but I would guess that most of the people who had a bad time left early before the process had time to work for them, I saw a few instances of that during my time here. If you can stick at it though it's beyond transformative. I look back at my time in Camino with tons of fondness :) Mary Minas16/05/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Camino has been an incredible and life-changing experience for me. I was dealing with major depression and through the care of the very experienced team, I have been able to take steps forward to the next phase of my life. Before arriving, Camino were consistently recommended to me by different experts I reached out to, and since being there I can confirm their treatment gets to the core of addiction, codependency, and trauma, which had been tricky for me to find anywhere else in Europe. I'd also like to add that the support staff and admin team were brilliant, and made the stay as easy as it could be whilst doing challenging work. Sofia Guy08/04/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What an unforgettable experience and one that I will always hold dear to my heart. I had the privilege of being invited to Spain to witness the Family Week organised by Camino Recovery Treatment Centre for their clients and their families as part of their comprehensive treatment program. While I have spent the past year studying the importance of involving families in the recovery process, this was my first opportunity to witness it first hand. From the moment the families arrived on Monday morning to Friday afternoon, I was deeply moved by the transformation I had witnessed. Many of these families have endured years of anguish, grappling with feelings of shame and helplessness as they struggled to support their loved ones through their journey to recovery. Witnessing their journey from despair to hope, isolation to connection has left me profoundly moved. While it's evident that there is still much work to be done within these family dynamics even after their time at Camino, I have seen the seeds of a new beginning being sown. Parents and spouses have left the week armed with hope, trust and self-awareness. Having personally witnessed the transformative power of this Family Week and the Equine Therapy that Camino offers and having heard directly from clients and their families about their experiences at Camino, I wholeheartedly recommend Camino Recovery to anyone struggling with long-term mental health issues or addiction. My time at Camino has been eye-opening and inspirational. The dedication of the team the effectiveness of the programs, and the profound impact on the lives of clients and their families make Camino Recovery a beacon of hope in the field of addiction and mental health treatment. Thank you so much for letting me experience the wonderful work that you do!! Paul Willcox07/04/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot recommend this place highly enough. The change I have seen in a family member has been profound, and it has been achieved by systematic exploration of the root causes of problems, and not by simply treating the symptoms If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to join this programme, grab itGoogle rating score: 4.4 of 5, based on 25 reviews
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS AND EFFECTS OF SEX ADDICTION?
Due to the diversity and complexity of sex addiction, its symptoms and effects can be wide-ranging.
Problems such as unwanted pregnancy, loss of social status, financial loss, sexually transmitted diseases, legal issues, diminished performance at work and stress-related illnesses can be common. Emotionally the effects can be severe. Emotional detachment is common and invariably extends to spouses and/or family.
The sufferer can find themselves isolated, depressed, anxious or ashamed. These symptoms (maybe more so than other addictions) can also appear in spouses or loved ones. Many sex addicts have a fear of abandonment and, therefore, can remain in destructive and unhealthy relationships.
WHAT IS ADDICTION TO PORNOGRAPHY?
Defined as an ‘excessive’ use of pornography, this addiction can be largely subjective given an individual’s perception of what is excessive. What is clear is that the addiction is prevalent when a user continues to watch porn despite negative consequences. It can be identified in many ways.
The reality is that it can develop as a result of learned behaviour, and the ‘rewards’ of viewing pornography become all important and therefore necessary to the individual. Porn can be particularly addictive because it taps into a primal survival instinct, want and need… sex.
WHAT MAKES IT AN ADDICTION?
In identifying porn addiction the following questions may prove useful:
- Do you watch pornography excessively?
- Does pornography interfere with your daily routine and/or commitments?
- Have you developed a tolerance for pornography, therefore needing to search for more diverse or explicit forms to satisfy your need?
- Does pornography affect your daily sex life with a partner?
- Do you use pornography to alter your mood?
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF PORN ADDICTION?
There can be other causes of addiction to porn such as biological (e.g. a high sex drive), psychological (e.g. the effects of exposure to porn in childhood) or social (e.g. past sexual experience), but what separates the moderate user from the addict is the adverse effect this acting out can have on various areas of their lives.
The damage that can occur as a result of porn addiction can be as severe as with any addiction. Socially, you can become introverted and shy away from potential relationships; emotionally, you can become detached; psychologically, you can suffer from guilt, shame and confusion, and physically, you can suffer from a variety of stress-related conditions, impotence or premature ejaculation.
Pornography is easily available to people of all ages. This means that compulsivity can be developed from earlier on in life and last longer, unfortunately giving warped/unrealistic messages about sexual encounters and activity.
HOW IS IT TREATED?
Given the sensitive nature of the topic, it is sometimes difficult to ask for help. Having identified the symptoms it is important that you find help that is both knowledgeable and compassionate to the condition. It may not be perceived by the medical fraternity as any different to other behavioural addictions but to the sufferer, that could not be further from the truth.
Camino Recovery understands this and is experienced in this field. It is important that you feel safe and secure in your environment when exploring these behaviours, and we place that at the forefront of everything we do.
As with most behavioural addictions, there are many processes that can assist in its treatment, such as the following:
Please contact Camino Recovery for an impartial and confidential conversation to understand the options open to you.