Sex addiction recovery is a long and painful process. However,
each step along the way is necessary for true growth and a successful
lifelong recovery. The first step in any sex addict's recovery is
understanding that he or she has an addiction. Until the addict accepts
that he or she has an addiction, recovery cannot happen.
After a sex addict identifies his or her addiction, he or she must make a commitment to seek help. Once the decision has been made to get help, there are many avenues that addicts can take to seek recovery. These options include addiction treatment programs, cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy, group therapy and 12 step programs.
Sex Addiction Treatment Programs
Many addicts find that sex addiction treatment programs are ideal for their recovery efforts. For one, they provide in-patient treatment with a comprehensive approach to recovery. At the start of recovery, it is easier to make a clean break from compulsive behaviors if the addict is not living at home where it is easy to fall back into addictive behaviors. Most programs also allow for out-patient treatment as addicts become better equipped to handle the realities of everyday life at home.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Treatment for this addiction often includes cognitive behavior therapy. This type of therapy helps addicts discover the underlying causes of their addiction. A majority of sex addicts report having experienced some form of abuse or neglect as a child. Others grew up in households where one or more parents were addicts. Some report early exposure to sexual activity or pornographic materials as a gateway to later compulsive behaviors. No matter what the underlying causes of the addiction is, cognitive behavior therapy helps people identify them and then learn how to deal with them post-addiction. Therapists usually encourage recovering addicts to find an activity such as exercising to take the place of sexually addictive behaviors when the compulsion arises.
Interpersonal Therapy
Interpersonal therapy is what most people think of when they hear the word therapy. Essentially, it is talk therapy. Talking is very therapeutic, especially for addicts who are isolated and depressed. Much of the burden that addicts have been carrying around can be relieved by simply expressing their emotions to a trained therapist. Therapists also prescribe medication to help facilitate the recovery process throughout interpersonal therapy treatment.
Group Therapy and 12 Step Programs
The guilt and shame that sex addicts experience are often best treated in group therapy. Being able to hear the experiences of other addicts and share their own experiences help them understand that they are not alone. Group therapy provides a supportive and safe environment where individuals can recover from their embarrassment, shame, and guilt. 12 step programs are a common form of group therapy. They provide addicts with a structured approach to recovery in a supportive environment. These programs are modeled after the Alcoholics Anonymous program and are widespread throughout the country.
It is important to keep in mind that not every treatment option is going to be right for every individual sex addict. Everyone is different and comes to their addiction from a different set of experiences and circumstances. If you try one treatment option and are not comfortable with it after a reasonable amount of time, then there is no shame in looking elsewhere for a good fit.
After a sex addict identifies his or her addiction, he or she must make a commitment to seek help. Once the decision has been made to get help, there are many avenues that addicts can take to seek recovery. These options include addiction treatment programs, cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy, group therapy and 12 step programs.
Sex Addiction Treatment Programs
Many addicts find that sex addiction treatment programs are ideal for their recovery efforts. For one, they provide in-patient treatment with a comprehensive approach to recovery. At the start of recovery, it is easier to make a clean break from compulsive behaviors if the addict is not living at home where it is easy to fall back into addictive behaviors. Most programs also allow for out-patient treatment as addicts become better equipped to handle the realities of everyday life at home.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Treatment for this addiction often includes cognitive behavior therapy. This type of therapy helps addicts discover the underlying causes of their addiction. A majority of sex addicts report having experienced some form of abuse or neglect as a child. Others grew up in households where one or more parents were addicts. Some report early exposure to sexual activity or pornographic materials as a gateway to later compulsive behaviors. No matter what the underlying causes of the addiction is, cognitive behavior therapy helps people identify them and then learn how to deal with them post-addiction. Therapists usually encourage recovering addicts to find an activity such as exercising to take the place of sexually addictive behaviors when the compulsion arises.
Interpersonal Therapy
Interpersonal therapy is what most people think of when they hear the word therapy. Essentially, it is talk therapy. Talking is very therapeutic, especially for addicts who are isolated and depressed. Much of the burden that addicts have been carrying around can be relieved by simply expressing their emotions to a trained therapist. Therapists also prescribe medication to help facilitate the recovery process throughout interpersonal therapy treatment.
Group Therapy and 12 Step Programs
The guilt and shame that sex addicts experience are often best treated in group therapy. Being able to hear the experiences of other addicts and share their own experiences help them understand that they are not alone. Group therapy provides a supportive and safe environment where individuals can recover from their embarrassment, shame, and guilt. 12 step programs are a common form of group therapy. They provide addicts with a structured approach to recovery in a supportive environment. These programs are modeled after the Alcoholics Anonymous program and are widespread throughout the country.
It is important to keep in mind that not every treatment option is going to be right for every individual sex addict. Everyone is different and comes to their addiction from a different set of experiences and circumstances. If you try one treatment option and are not comfortable with it after a reasonable amount of time, then there is no shame in looking elsewhere for a good fit.
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