Men and women who suffer from co-occurring substance abuse and sex addiction will need to be treated for both conditions at the same time. If sex addiction caused or worsened substance abuse, or vice versa, treating only one condition will be ineffective. The main forms of treatment for these co-occurring conditions include individual therapy with a clinician that has experience in treating both disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, group therapy, and, in more severe cases, inpatient treatment.
Treatment for these disorders may also include support groups designed to connect men and women who struggle with similar conditions. It can help these people to make meaningful connections, develop trusting relationships, and hold one another accountable throughout this entire process.