I'm Ready to Leave My Sex Addiction Behind, But Now What?

What is sex addiction? 

Sex addiction is when sexual impulses or urges become compulsive and uncontrollable. Likewise, the addiction becomes an excessive preoccupation that can leave one stuck in a world of fantasy. When life, or areas of life, become unmanageable without specific behaviors, it's likely due to an addiction. With sex addiction, the 'high' comes through carrying out sexual behaviors. Sex addiction can be extremely dangerous to both your physical and emotional health. Likewise, it can destroy relationships, careers, and family life. Like any other addiction, sex addiction has a significantly negative impact on life. 

There continues to be a debate among professionals within the field about whether or not 'sex addiction is real:



1. You won't find sex addiction in the DSM.
2. It isn't easy to define, especially when society identifies what is normal and what is not. Then there's the issue that you don't ingest a substance; therefore, it doesn't ignite the bring like other addictions.
3. The lack of evidence and research seems to dominate the conversation for nay-sayers.

On the contrary, behavioral addictions, such as gambling, have made their way into the DSM. Sex addiction appears to be in line to fit into this category. Next, because of the context of the addiction, it's difficult to identify how many people have a sex addiction. So while the diagnosis is more complex than 'yes' or 'no,' the debate isn't often about the reality of the problems you're living with. 

Why, then, does it matter? Well, without a label as an official diagnosis, it limits funding for research. Likewise, it opens the door for denial of health insurance coverage for treatment. The good news is, there are support groups and clinicians with access to resources that may be able to help. 

Moving Toward Sex Addiction Recovery

As you begin your journey toward recovery, you may be wondering what activities you can replace your sex addiction with. First, it's important to be aware of switch addictions. Moving from one addiction to another is a common occurrence. However, although it may feel healthier, a switch addiction can still negatively impact your life. Excess instead of balance is the essence of addiction. So, as you begin to look for alternatives, keep in mind the goal is to leave all addictive behaviors behind you. In other words, as you discover new, fulfilling activities, the root of the problem driving your addiction likely still exists. Therefore, a pivotal part of your journey will be working through underlying issues. As you begin to heal, the need to replace one behavior with another can also diminish. 

Ok, so let's talk about some alternatives that you might turn to instead of your sex addiction behaviors. 

First, to find something that will work for you, you can make a list of things you like to do, used to enjoy, or would like to try. 

Here are some ideas to get you working towards sex addiction recovery: 



• running, weight lifting
• swimming, fishing, paddle boarding
• biking, hiking 
• yoga, meditation
• drawing, painting, puzzles
• reading, cooking 

Finding activities you enjoy may help you keep your mind busy and serve as a distraction, which can be helpful and useful. For example, discovering alternatives to your behaviors can help you build self-confidence. Likewise, it can help in moments of boredom or unexpected free time. However, true healing can begin as you discover the driving force behind your sex addiction. In other words, replacing your behaviors with new activities can be beneficial. However, finding and resolving the 'why' to your addiction is more likely to lead to healing and recovery. 

What Does Sex Addiction Treatment Look Like? 

There are a variety of treatment options available for sex addiction. For example, programs can range from support groups to inpatient treatment facilities.

• Support groups that incorporate a 12-step program can be a great resource. 
  
• Working with a licensed clinician may be a great way to get to the root of the problem. Furthermore, you can learn healthy coping skills. 
  
• Inpatient facilities can help set you up for success, especially as you experience withdrawals. Likewise, you'll be in an environment that may help you acquire impulse control skills. 

As you go through treatment, part of the healing process will be learning how to cope with negative emotions and other triggers. Furthermore, discovering healthy alternatives to stressors may help a person from relapsing. Treatment options can vary in terms of frequency, in or outpatient, and the therapeutic approach used. Likewise, remember, you are not alone. While you'll face difficult challenges along the way, recovery may make all of your effort worth it. As a result, there are many people and resources available to help you through your journey. 

The key to healing from sex addiction is finding the root of the problem and processing it. At the same time, learning new skills to help you handle other issues when they arise will be vital. You deserve to move forward and leave your sex addiction behind and today is a great day to get started. 

Learn more or get started today with these free resources (pathformen.com).