If your pornography use or sexual behaviors feel out of control, there are ways to get the help you need. Many people struggle with compulsive sexual behavior, sometimes called sexual addiction or sexual compulsivity. Compulsive sexual behavior disorder is recognized as an impulse control disorder.
At Promises Dallas-Fort Worth, our licensed therapist team in Dallas uses a personalized, evidence‑based approach to porn addiction treatment that supports long-term recovery and lasting recovery grounded in your values. See how professional care can help you break free and stay focused on a healthier everyday life.
Call Promises DFW at 888.488.6153 or contact us online to get started.
Who needs porn addiction treatment? Symptoms and signs
Compulsive sexual behaviors are patterns of sexual thoughts, sexual urges, and sexual activities that feel difficult to control and lead to negative consequences in daily life. Common red flags include:
- Repeated attempts to cut back on watching pornography or visiting pornographic websites with little success
- Loss of control: spending more time than planned on pornographic material or sexual behaviors
- Escalation to more intense content, high‑risk sexual activities, or frequent visits to strip clubs
- Secrecy, lying, or hiding devices from a sexual partner or family members
- Using sex, porn, or online chats to manage negative emotions like stress, shame, or loneliness
- Distress that feels withdrawal‑like when you try to stop, such as irritability, obsessive thoughts, or sleep problems
- Continuing despite damaged relationships, problems at work or school, money issues, or legal risks, including sexual offenses
Internet pornography addiction focuses on digital content and time spent online, while sexual addiction can include broader compulsive sexual behaviors such as escort use or multiple partners. According to the Mayo Clinic, both can harm mental health and well being, and both are treatable. Co-occurring disorders are common, including anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and substance abuse involving alcohol or recreational drugs. A quick self‑check: if your sexual behaviors are causing harm, feel out of control, or take priority over your values, it is time to seek professional help.
Assessment and diagnosis process
Your care begins with a confidential intake and a full biopsychosocial assessment with a licensed therapist. We review medical history, trauma history, learning and attachment patterns, and current mental health conditions. Screening tools for problematic sexual behavior and compulsive sexual behaviors help your clinician understand severity and risks. Risk and safety planning protects you and others.
Our team is ready to diagnose any mental health conditions and then tailor care to your goals. This includes identifying triggers, time‑of‑day patterns, and technology habits. We’ll identify how sexual behaviors interact with other addictions or other mental health conditions. We set collaborative, measurable goals so you can track progress in frequency, intensity, and duration of sexual urges and behaviors.
Evidence‑based porn addiction treatment at Promises Dallas
Our program is multidisciplinary, trauma informed, and outcomes focused. Psychotherapy and structured support are core first‑line approaches for compulsive sexual behavior and problematic pornography use. Medication management may be considered for specific symptoms. We build skills that fit your life in and can connect you with support groups in Dallas, TX, that sustain long term recovery.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways we can help you.
Pornography addiction therapy and counseling
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) builds practical tools to identify triggers, challenge cognitive distortions, and replace negative thoughts with balanced thinking. Clients learn stimulus control, urge surfing, and step‑by‑step plans to reduce access to high‑risk content.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills strengthen emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness so high‑risk affective states do not drive compulsive sexual behavior.
- Talk therapy formats include individual sessions, psychoeducation, and group therapy where peer accountability and skills practice support change.
- Family therapy may include family members to improve communication and support plans.
- Porn recovery coaching adds accountability, goal tracking, and digital hygiene, including filters and time‑limits matched to your plan.
Medication options, when clinically indicated
Medication is adjunctive to psychotherapy and behavioral strategies. A psychiatrist or other mental health professional may consider:
- SSRIs for obsessive thoughts, compulsions, or co‑occurring depression or anxiety
- Naltrexone, a medication used to treat alcohol and opioid problems, which may reduce reward from compulsive behavior and help some people with urges
- Mood stabilizers for mood swings or bipolar disorder that worsen sexual behaviors
- In specific cases, anti‑androgens for people whose behaviors pose serious risk to others, prescribed with close monitoring
Evidence for medications in compulsive sexual behavior is still emerging, and there are no FDA‑approved drugs for this condition. Decisions are individualized and monitored for benefits and side effects.
Levels of care and settings
Care is matched to need. Options can include inpatient settings for safety needs or severe co‑occurring risks, and outpatient tracks that allow treatment alongside work and family. Some clients benefit from gender‑sensitive or specialized groups. Short‑term behavioral “detox” plans focus on device management, content blocking, and structured routines, since porn does not cause medical withdrawal. If you are unsure which level you need, a mental health professional on our team can guide you.
Program components and methods
- Habit reversal and, when indicated, exposure and response prevention for obsessive features
- Mindfulness-based therapies for cravings awareness, urge surfing, and compassion practices
- Behavioral addictions education about the reward cycle, cue exposure, and reinforcement of pro‑recovery behaviors
- Motivational strategies that make change doable in everyday life
Support and community
Recovery grows in community. Many clients use support groups, locally and online, to extend accountability. Options include 12‑step groups such as Sex Addicts Anonymous, and non‑12‑step alternatives. Some people also draw structure from Alcoholics Anonymous if alcohol has played a role. Our team can help you select meetings that fit your goals and schedule.
Relapse prevention and aftercare
Relapse prevention starts day one. Together we build a plan that includes:
- Trigger mapping and high‑risk scenario planning
- Coping scripts, grounding, and replacement behaviors
- Mindfulness, stress reduction methods, and urge delay
- Accountability partners and regular check‑ins
- Ongoing treatment supports, such as step‑down therapy, coaching, support groups, and periodic outcome reviews
What to expect at Promises Dallas
From intake to discharge, you receive compassionate, culturally competent care. A typical week can include individual therapy, skills‑focused groups, experiential work, and wellness practices. You can expect privacy and confidentiality, clear treatment options, and licensed clinicians with experience in sexual addictions, behavioral addictions, and co‑occurring care. When appropriate, we involve partners or family members in sessions to strengthen support at home.
- Learn about our approach and team culture at Promises Dallas-Forth Worth.
- Explore common questions in our FAQs.
- Read real client perspectives and testimonials.
Specialized tracks and populations
Your plan can be tailored for young adults, busy professionals, and couples who want to heal together. If requested, your licensed therapist can align care with your faith or personal values. Treatment also addresses co-occurring disorders and other addictions so your care fits your whole life.
Outcomes and measurement
We track progress with clear goals, such as reducing frequency, intensity, and duration of sexual urges and behaviors. We monitor quality of life, sleep, mood, and relationships, and we use validated scales when appropriate. Routine outcome monitoring helps us adjust the plan so you continue to make gains and prevent relapse.
Insurance, access, and logistics
We can help you verify insurance and identify practical options for access. Scheduling is flexible. If you have questions about benefits or what to bring, connect with our team for details.
Get started with porn and sex addiction treatment in Dallas
Ready to start a personalized sex addiction or porn addiction recovery program in the Dallas area? Connect with Promises Dallas for confidential, evidence‑based care at 888.488.6153 or contact us online. Promises Dallas porn addiction services support sex and porn rehab needs across North Texas, with individualized care that fits your life.
FAQs
How long does porn addiction treatment take?
Timelines vary. Some people see improvement within weeks, while others may need ongoing treatment for a few months. Factors include severity, support systems, and co‑occurring mental health conditions.
Do I need inpatient or outpatient support?
It depends on safety, stability, and co‑occurring risks. Many clients do well in outpatient care with strong structure. A mental health professional will recommend the least restrictive level that still protects your progress.
Will I need medication like naltrexone or SSRIs?
Some clients benefit from SSRIs for obsessive thoughts or anxiety, and others benefit from naltrexone for urges. These uses are off label and always paired with psychotherapy. Decisions are individualized and monitored.
What if I relapse during treatment?
A lapse is a signal to adjust the plan, not a failure. We revisit triggers, practice skills, strengthen accountability, and continue care so you can return to your goals quickly.
