Written by Jonathan Zalesne
When you feel as though your sexual thoughts or behaviors are out of control, it’s time to seek help. Recovery is often a long process, and it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed when you believe you have to go through it alone.
The good news is that sex addiction is treatable. Recovery can occur when you acknowledge that you have a problem and need help.
While things like therapy and some outpatient services can be helpful, recovery groups serve as a significant resource for sex addicts, as well.
Let’s find out why they’re so beneficial.
Anonymous Groups Provide a Safe Space
Plenty of organizations and private groups across the country exist to help sex addicts recover. The most popular group is likely Sexaholics Anonymous. As the name states, the group allows you to keep your identity to yourself. You don’t have to publicize to anyone else that you’re a part of the group. That can make you feel safer opening up and being more vulnerable.
Feeling comfortable is one of the first crucial steps in recovering. If you feel comfortable opening up, you’re more likely to talk about the things with which you struggle. It can allow you to dive deeper into the roots of your addiction.
Plus, the more you understand about it, including the underlying causes, the easier it can be to treat. Understanding your inner-workings helps you to feel comfortable enough to talk to a therapist about such things, too.
It’s also easy to feel ashamed or embarrassed when you admit you have a sex addiction. Groups like these make it easier to keep that shame at bay.
Hearing from Others
Another benefit of going to a recovery group is that you’ll quickly learn the things you struggle with aren’t unique to you. Everyone there has their own story to tell. Some might be different from yours, but some might be quite similar.
By hearing the struggles that other people go through, you might start to feel better about yourself. This mindset isn’t to say that you’re making excuses for your addiction. Knowing you’re not the only one facing these struggles, however, can make it more natural to let go of shame. Plus, you’ll feel supported throughout your recovery.
Accountability
Groups can also provide you with a support system, especially if you don’t already have one in your life. Other recovering sex addicts can be there for you in your times of need.
Did you “mess up” in your relationship? Are you tempted to start watching pornography again? If you feel like you’re falling back into old habits, having a support group can make a big difference in keeping you on the recovery path.
Is a Recovery Group Right for You?
If you’ve acknowledged the fact that you have a sex addiction, one of the best things you can do is to talk to a therapist. Therapy can help you discover some of the possible underlying causes of your addiction. From there, your therapist can develop a treatment plan.
However, recovery groups can be helpful for both your short-term and long-term goals. You can attend recovery groups for as long as you’d like. Also, you can find one to visit if you feel that you’re struggling at any given time—even if you’ve been on the road to recovery for years.
If you’d like to learn more about sex addiction recovery groups or you’re interested in starting on your path to recovery, please contact one of our individual therapists today. You don’t have to struggle with sex addiction forever. Help is out there, and you’re not alone.