Depending on how far along individuals in recovery are from sex addiction and how much work they have done, looking for new love or rebuilding an existing relationship may present some sizeable obstacles for them. Through maintaining boundaries, heightening self-awareness and promoting self-care, individuals in recovery from sex addiction can have healthy and fulfilling relationships.
Maintaining Relentless Optimism Despite Damaged Past Relationships from Sex Addiction
Most sex addicts, if they had past relationships, had relationships that were damaged by their sex addiction. With approximately 1 million divorces occurring in the United States each year for the past decade, half of these couples are claiming pornography and sex addiction as the culprits. Although some may argue that sex addiction isn’t the root cause but merely a symptom, there’s still a staggering 500,000 marriages annually that are failing due to a spouse’s unbridled sex addiction.
Individuals in recovery from a sex addiction program should know the importance of maintaining strong boundaries from relapse or slipping back into destructive habits that may place strain on their intimate relationships. Much like other addictions, the relapse rate is high.
Despite the lack of definitive studies, psychologist Steve Eichel who practices in Delaware puts individuals in recovery from sex addiction at a short- term 80% success rate, with success being defined as healthy behavior and not total abstinence.
Much like a person who has abused alcohol needs to steer clear of bars to avoid temptation in the first stages of recovery, the same goes for individuals in the initial stages of recovery from sex addiction. Steering clear of certain places, movies or websites of a provocative nature can lessen the likelihood of triggering certain thoughts or feelings. This is not a long-term solution, however. It’s important to heal the underlying causes of the sex addiction, in order for the need for the addiction to be healed. But when someone is new in recovery, the boundaries can be helpful in keeping a person protected from temptation that could cause a relapse.
Those in recovery from sex addiction should value a heightened sense of self-awareness. When they are able to be truthful with themselves, and share their feelings appropriately they can feel like they’re in control of their addiction and avoid any potential pitfalls that may trigger a relapse. This kind of honesty and transparency with themselves can translate to their intimate relationships as well.
Individuals in recovery from sex addiction should always recognize the importance of self-care. Stress can be a trigger for relapse, so a person must be sure to maintain balance by practicing stress-reducing activities like meditation and moderate exercise. Taking care of oneself and one’s emotional needs is a precursor to being able to be a responsible partner and to feel fulfilled by a romantic relationship. By introducing specific behaviors and patterns pertinent to their self-care, those recovering from sex addiction will be less likely to succumb to temptation and much more likely to maintain a healthy intimate relationship.
Sex Addiction Treatment
It is possible to overcome sex addiction and begin living a healthy and fulfilling life. If you’re an individual striving to recover from sex addiction or are struggling with sex addiction, hope awaits in the realm of your intimate relationships. Roy Nelson understands the power of addiction and how to overcome it. The Nelson Method is an effective holistic method that aims to identify and heal the root causes of your addiction. Call us today at 800-609-4061 to begin your journey to recovery from sex addiction and resume the happy and healthy life that you deserve.
