Most sex addicts live in denial of their addiction and treating an addiction depends on the person accepting and admitting that he or she has a problem. In many cases, it takes a significant event - such as the loss of a job, the break-up of a marriage, an arrest or health crisis - to force the addict to admit his or her problem.

  If you discover you are in an addictive relationship you may want to seek professional assistance. Specialized counseling is available for those dealing directly or indirectly with this form of addiction. Sex addiction is not recognised as a specific disorder in psychiatric terms, there is no standard method of treatment.

  Self-help groups: Sex Addicts Anonymous, Sexaholics Anonymous and Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous are large groups based on the 12-step system of Alcoholics Anonymous. There are various online support forums as well as real-life help through an out- or in-patient program or private counsellor. Some intensive programs work with both the addict and the addict's partner.

Professional help includes:
• individual therapy;
• group therapy.

  Therapists also use cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications may be of value particularly in overcoming conditions or disorders that lead to increased acting out. It is important to distinguish between sexual addiction and sexual anorexia not related to sexual addiction, as both can present similar behaviors but effective treatment may be quite different. Aside from depression it also must be established whether or not the presenting behaviors are due to obsessive-compulsive disorders, bipolar disorders, etc.

  It is highly imperative the addict finds an experienced, trained counsellor to help with their addiction. Addicts suffering from other disorders in addition to sexual addiction (Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, etc.) rarely reach and maintain a sober recovery without highly trained assistance.

  The longer a sex addict has been acting out and the higher the level an addict they are, the lower the chances of a successful, sober recovery being maintained. Unless a sexual addict hits bottom (much like a drug addict) they will rarely seek recovery on their own. Other related, untreated psychological conditions or disorders can also reduce the chances of the addict maintaining a sober recovery.