The path of addiction to recovery for sex addicts is a long one
with many highs and lows. Fortunately, with proper treatment and time
recovery is possible.
People initially fall prey to sex addiction because, similar to other addictive substances or behaviors, it acts as a temporary relief of their pain. Over time, however, the addiction consumes more and more of their lives and the sexually compulsive behaviors now help to relieve their pain less and less. More and more of the sexual behavior is necessary just to ease the cravings. At the peak of their addiction, individuals experience a "high" that is actually far worse than their condition prior to becoming addicted.
In "Understanding the Addictive Nature of Pornography" on the Combating Pornography website, Donald L. Hilton Jr., MD explains the progression of the addiction, and its impact on the brain, stating, "... normal pleasures are not enough to alleviate the craving for dopamine, and this craving in the newly reset pleasure thermostat in the brain is likely key in the desire to relapse." It is a vicious cycle that requires a long recovery process.
The recovery process is lengthy and equally as daunting as any addiction in many ways. While individuals experience an overall gradual increase in their well-being, there are many ups and downs along the way. The withdrawal is an extremely difficult part of the recovery process. Over time, addicts will experience a new sense of well-being and serenity. Unfortunately, this well-being is hard earned and cannot be attained simply from abstinence from the unwanted behaviors. In order to achieve a full recovery, these individuals must uncover their past trauma and hurts to resolve the root causes of their addiction. Withdrawal is the first step in a very long path to recovery.
Many sex addicts have haunting pasts and have suffered traumatic and abusive childhoods. Their addiction is in part a result of their inability to cope with their pain. The unwanted behaviors provide a temporary relief of their pain. According to Michael Herkov, PH.D. in "What Causes Sexual Addiction" on the Psych Central website, "Research also has found that sex addicts often come from dysfunctional families and are more likely than non-sex addicts to have been abused. One study found that 82 percent of sex addicts reported being sexually abused as children. Sex addicts often describe their parents as rigid, distant and uncaring. These families, including the addicts themselves, are more likely to be substance abusers." Overcoming these sorts of past experiences can be an important part of the overall recovery process.
Counseling, individual and group therapy along with tailored recovery programs are typically the most effective ways to overcome these issues. The structure and support from the combination of these treatments options allow for healing and recovery in time.
People initially fall prey to sex addiction because, similar to other addictive substances or behaviors, it acts as a temporary relief of their pain. Over time, however, the addiction consumes more and more of their lives and the sexually compulsive behaviors now help to relieve their pain less and less. More and more of the sexual behavior is necessary just to ease the cravings. At the peak of their addiction, individuals experience a "high" that is actually far worse than their condition prior to becoming addicted.
In "Understanding the Addictive Nature of Pornography" on the Combating Pornography website, Donald L. Hilton Jr., MD explains the progression of the addiction, and its impact on the brain, stating, "... normal pleasures are not enough to alleviate the craving for dopamine, and this craving in the newly reset pleasure thermostat in the brain is likely key in the desire to relapse." It is a vicious cycle that requires a long recovery process.
The recovery process is lengthy and equally as daunting as any addiction in many ways. While individuals experience an overall gradual increase in their well-being, there are many ups and downs along the way. The withdrawal is an extremely difficult part of the recovery process. Over time, addicts will experience a new sense of well-being and serenity. Unfortunately, this well-being is hard earned and cannot be attained simply from abstinence from the unwanted behaviors. In order to achieve a full recovery, these individuals must uncover their past trauma and hurts to resolve the root causes of their addiction. Withdrawal is the first step in a very long path to recovery.
Many sex addicts have haunting pasts and have suffered traumatic and abusive childhoods. Their addiction is in part a result of their inability to cope with their pain. The unwanted behaviors provide a temporary relief of their pain. According to Michael Herkov, PH.D. in "What Causes Sexual Addiction" on the Psych Central website, "Research also has found that sex addicts often come from dysfunctional families and are more likely than non-sex addicts to have been abused. One study found that 82 percent of sex addicts reported being sexually abused as children. Sex addicts often describe their parents as rigid, distant and uncaring. These families, including the addicts themselves, are more likely to be substance abusers." Overcoming these sorts of past experiences can be an important part of the overall recovery process.
Counseling, individual and group therapy along with tailored recovery programs are typically the most effective ways to overcome these issues. The structure and support from the combination of these treatments options allow for healing and recovery in time.
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