Addiction Treatment
Comprehensive sex addiction treatment
Treatment for sex addiction
Struggling with compulsive sexual behaviour can feel deeply isolating. Many people experience intense shame, secrecy, or fear of judgement, often questioning whether their behaviour is “serious enough” to warrant professional help. For some, concerns only surface once relationships, mental health, finances, or personal safety begin to suffer.
At Ibiza Calm, we provide discreet, residential treatment for sex addiction (also known as CSBD – compulsive sexual behaviour disorder) within a calm, private setting in northern Ibiza. With a deliberately small client cohort, 24/7 clinical oversight, and a highly experienced multidisciplinary team, we offer personalised treatment in an environment designed for psychological safety, stability, and recovery.
Many of the people who come to us say they waited longer than they needed to, often because they felt embarrassed or unsure how their behaviour would be perceived. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or someone you love, you will be met with professionalism, compassion, and respect.
What is sex addiction?
Sex addiction, clinically referred to as compulsive sexual behaviour disorder (CSBD), is a recognised mental health condition characterised by persistent, intrusive sexual thoughts, urges, or behaviours that feel difficult to control and continue despite negative consequences.
CSBD is classified by the World Health Organization in the ICD-11 as an impulse-control disorder. It is not defined by how much sex someone has, their preferences, or their libido, but by loss of control, distress, and functional impairment.
Importantly, enjoying sex or having a strong sexual drive does not mean someone has a sex addiction. Differences in sexual desire within a relationship are also common and do not indicate pathology. A diagnosis can only be made following careful assessment by a qualified mental health professional.
Signs and symptoms of sex addiction
Many individuals also experience increasing anxiety, depression, or low self-worth, and some turn to alcohol or drugs to manage distress, leading to co-occurring substance use issues.
Sex Addiction Treatment
The harmful impact of sex addiction/compulsive sexual behaviour disorder
Compulsive sexual behaviour can have far-reaching impacts on various aspects of an individual’s life, including:
→ Relationships: Sex addiction can lead to infidelity, mistrust, and emotional distance in intimate relationships. Partners are left feeling betrayed, leading to significant strain or even the dissolution of the relationship.
→ Mental health: The constant cycle of engaging in compulsive behaviours and dealing with the aftermath can result in anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, also often experiencing a deep sense of shame and isolation.
→ Physical health: Engaging in risky sexual behaviours increases the likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs) and other health-related issues. Neglecting personal health and hygiene can also occur as the addiction takes precedence.
→ Legal and financial problems: Some individuals may engage in illegal activities, such as prostitution or public indecency, leading to legal repercussions. Additionally, the financial burden of sustaining their addiction can lead to debt or bankruptcy.
Causes of sex addiction
The causes of sex addiction are multifaceted, often involving a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.
Research suggests that one or more of the following factors may contribute to the development of this condition:
→ High levels of, or an imbalance in, brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine.
→ Changes in the brain’s neural circuits or pathways.
→ Medical conditions that affect the brain, including Parkinson’s, dementia, and epilepsy.
→ A family history of addiction.
→ Previous experience of abuse: physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.
→ A response to trauma or extreme stress.
Sex addiction is more common in men than women. On average, onset starts around 18 years of age, with sufferers generally waiting until mid to late 30s before seeking professional help. It is suspected that over 75% of individuals presenting with sex addiction will have a history of other mental health conditions, including:
→ Mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder.
→ Anxiety disorders.
→ Suicidal ideation, or attempted suicide.
→ Personality disorders.
→ Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
→ Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
→ Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
→ Substance use disorders.
→ Other addictive and impulse control disorders.
Why it’s hard to face sex addiction alone
Compulsive sexual behaviour is often accompanied by shame, secrecy, and fear of judgement. Many people attempt to manage the problem privately, minimising its impact or hoping it will resolve on its own. Over time, this can increase emotional distress, reinforce compulsive patterns, and strain relationships.
Residential treatment may be particularly appropriate when:
→ Behaviour feels increasingly out of control
→ Attempts to stop or reduce have been unsuccessful
→ There is a significant impact on relationships, work, or mental health
→ Sexual behaviour is linked to trauma, anxiety, depression, or substance use
→ Feelings of shame, hopelessness, or emotional numbness are growing
With the right support, recovery is possible.
THE PATH TO RECOVERY STARTS WITH A SMALL FIRST STEP
Sex addiction treatment at Ibiza Calm
Treatment at Ibiza Calm begins with a comprehensive psychiatric and psychological assessment upon arrival. This allows us to understand the underlying drivers of compulsive sexual behaviour, including emotional regulation, attachment patterns, trauma history, and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Each client receives a fully personalised treatment plan, adapted throughout their stay as insight and stability develop.
We work with:
→ Individuals
→ Partners and families
→ Professionals and public-facing individuals
→ Clients with co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, or substance misuse
Our approach blends evidence-based psychological therapies with supportive, holistic care, delivered in a private residential setting with continuous clinical oversight.
Core pillars of stimulant addiction treatment
What’s included
A carefully composed programme of care and comfort
From the moment you arrive, you are met by our expert clinical team for a full physical and psychiatric evaluation. Together, we design a tailored programme of care to address both the immediate challenges and the deeper emotional or psychological issues underlying them.
Every element of your programme is designed around you —flexible, private, and adaptive to your individual needs.
Ask yourself…
Whether or not you consider yourself an addict or someone with mental health-related issues, if your behaviour has gotten out of control, Ibiza Calm can help.
Does someone I know need help?
If family doesn’t intervene, who will?
We help families get their loved ones into addiction treatment.
Do I have a problem with sex addiction?
Our international team of professionals uses the latest therapeutic approaches to help you regain control and begin your recovery journey.
Addiction treatment
Life at Ibiza Calm
Our centre is located on a quiet 13-hectare estate in northern Ibiza, surrounded by Mediterranean gardens, natural light, and open space. The environment is intentionally designed to promote calm, privacy, and emotional safety.
A typical day includes:
- Individual and group therapy
- Time with the clinical and medical team
- Nutritious meals prepared onsite
- Restorative practices such as yoga, mindfulness, equine-assisted therapy, or time in nature
- Structured personal time for rest, reflection, and integration
The balance of structure, discretion, and space allows clients to step away from external pressures and focus fully on recovery.
We employ this method because sex addiction requires more than behavioural control. It requires understanding, emotional regulation, trauma-informed care, and space to rebuild trust with oneself and others. Our setting, structure, and clinical depth allow clients to engage in this work safely and privately.
Bepoke treatment
Newest techniques
Experienced team
Our team and clinical approach
Sex addiction treatment is delivered by a multidisciplinary team including:
– Psychiatrists
– Clinical psychologists
– Addiction specialists
– Nurses and medical staff
– Experienced therapists
With a carefully managed client community and high staff-to-client ratio, we provide attentive, one-to-one care. Our team has extensive experience supporting complex behavioural addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sex addiction a recognised condition?
Yes. Compulsive sexual behaviour disorder is recognised in the ICD-11 and assessed by qualified mental health professionals.
Is sex addiction the same as having a high sex drive?
No. Sex addiction (compulsive sexual behaviour disorder) is defined by loss of control, distress, and negative consequences, not by sexual desire itself. A high libido without compulsive behaviour or harm does not indicate addiction.
How do I know if my behaviour is compulsive rather than a coping habit?
Compulsion is usually marked by repeated failed attempts to stop, secrecy, escalation, and continued behaviour despite consequences such as shame, relationship damage, or emotional distress.
What types of behaviours can fall under sex addiction?
This can include compulsive use of pornography, anonymous or risky sexual encounters, paid sexual services, excessive use of dating apps, or obsessive sexual fantasising that interferes with daily life.
Will I have to disclose my sexual behaviour in group therapy?
No. Group participation is structured and guided, and clients are never pressured to share details they are uncomfortable discussing. Therapy is paced carefully and respectfully.
Is treatment focused on stopping sex entirely?
No. Treatment focuses on understanding compulsive patterns, regulating impulses, addressing underlying emotional drivers, and developing healthy, consensual, and balanced sexual behaviours.
Can sex addiction be linked to trauma or early life experiences?
Very often. Many clients have a history of emotional, physical, or sexual trauma, attachment disruption, or chronic shame. These are addressed sensitively as part of treatment.
Do you treat co-occurring mental health conditions?
Yes. We regularly work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and substance misuse alongside compulsive sexual behaviour.
How private is the programme?
Our estate is discreet and fully private, with a small number of clients to ensure confidentiality and personal space.
What happens during the admissions process?
After an initial confidential conversation, our clinical team gathers relevant medical and psychological information to ensure we can support your specific needs. On arrival, we complete a full medical and psychiatric assessment and create your personalised treatment plan. Our admissions process is discreet, supportive, and designed to reduce stress at what can be an emotionally difficult moment.
Will I be able to contact my family?
Yes. Family contact is arranged in a way that supports recovery and emotional stability. Family therapy can also be included when appropriate. In addition, family members are welcome to join a weekly online family support group from the beginning of treatment.
How long should I stay in residential sex addiction treatment?
Most clients benefit from a stay of four or more weeks, as this allows enough time for safe stabilisation, therapeutic work, and building the strategies needed for long term recovery. During your assessment, our clinical team will recommend an appropriate length of stay based on your drinking patterns, withdrawal risks, and emotional needs.
Can I work remotely while in treatment?
We encourage clients to prioritise their recovery while at Ibiza Calm. In certain programmes, remote work may be possible.
What therapies will I receive?
Your programme is tailored, but typically includes individual therapy, group therapy, medical care, and holistic modalities.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept a number of international insurances, such as Cigma International and Bupa Global. We can also assist with documentation for clients seeking reimbursement, though coverage depends on individual policies.
What happens after I leave Ibiza Calm?
Before discharge, you will be introduced to the aftercare support group, and you will receive a detailed aftercare plan tailored to your needs. This may include ongoing therapy, psychiatric support, community-based groups, or outpatient treatment. We also coordinate with trusted professionals to ensure continuity of care once you return home.
THE PATH TO RECOVERY STARTS WITH A SMALL FIRST STEP
Outcomes and aftercare
Recovery from compulsive sexual behaviour is a process, not a quick fix. Our focus is on helping clients develop insight, emotional regulation, and healthier coping strategies that support long term change.
Before discharge, every client receives a tailored aftercare plan with coordinated referrals to ensure continuity of care.
As part of our aftercare offering, clients are invited to attend a weekly therapist-facilitated aftercare group held online. This group is available for up to one year following discharge and provides ongoing support, structure, and connection during the transition back to daily life.
Testimonials
What our clients say
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Take the next step
If you or someone you love is struggling with compulsive sexual behaviour, help is available.
Contact our team in confidence to discuss sex addiction treatment options or to explore whether residential care at Ibiza Calm is the right next step.