The road to recovery is a difficult one where a person needs to learn healthy coping mechanisms in order to break the cycle. Sex addiction is no different. The recovery process for sex addiction has been described as a type of grief process. When dealing with an addiction, whether it is a drug or behavioral, understanding the use of alcohol, drugs or sex has turned into a coping skill. When it becomes apparent that the addict has lost the power of choice, there are few options left. Seeking treatment is a way out of the terrible cycle of addiction. It can feel like a major loss, like letting go of an old friend that you have relied on for a long time. It has been used it to bring relief from stress and to escape otherwise negative feelings.
Confronting Your Addiction to Sex
Confronting your addiction to sex can be a process which brings thoughts, feelings and emotions to the surface. Through treatment, it is revealed that these behaviors were used as a means to substitute or to cope with feelings of failure, depression, or used as validation for successes. Just the thought of quitting your sex addiction can be somewhat traumatic. Since it can seem like an unimaginable thing, it takes time to let the idea settle.
In some cases when the process goes beyond the initial shock denial can sink in. Addicts begin to find ways to dismiss the problem. The first task you will experience in treatment is the breaking down of denial. No matter how the brain tries to dodge reality, it is important to face your sex addiction without denial.
Where We Are as a Society Can Shape the Denial Process
Where we are as a society can shape the denial process when it comes to sex addiction, internet addiction and porn addiction. People as a whole may not accept that there are these types of addiction, which can influence how therapy and counseling are provided. It’s not easy to get counseling for an addiction that society does not even recognize.
Just because an addiction is not socially recognized does not mean it is not serious. Behavioral addictions are real. In fact, when a sex addict has been found out, their reactions are that of deep shame. That shame may even fuel the idea that they will not behave in that manner again, but they do. Sex addicts are good at building up barriers when it comes to getting help. Sometimes counseling and rehab are seen as hopeless, but this is just another way for them to continue to avoid reality.
It’s Time to come to a Level of Acceptance
In order to breakdown a person’s denial they need to reach some level of acceptance. They need to be willing to get help even when doubts linger. When an initial period of abstinence is established, it gives a sex addict time to let their head clear so they can identify their addictive habits, and seek the counseling they so desperately require.
Blue Tiger Recovery provides sex addiction counseling that can turn your life around. Call them today to speak to a representative that’s ready to schedule a meeting for you.
