Contrary to widespread belief, dealing with full-blown sex addiction or porn addiction isn’t quite as simple as just stopping the problematic behaviour. The reason being that the very definition of an addiction is when an individual has largely or completely lost control of their actions and activities, continuing to do things they know they shouldn’t despite wanting to stop and attempting to stop. In such instances, it really isn’t quite as simple as flipping a switch. Just as is the case with every other type of addiction across the board, moving away from sex addiction is a process and one that cannot be underestimated.
The good news however is that regardless of how long-standing or apparently severe the problem may be, there is always plenty that can be done and a positive long-term prognosis. It’s simply a case of taking advice from the experts and being both realistic and proactive about what is in every respect an addiction recovery process.
Here’s a quick look at just a few tips from battling and moving on from sex addiction:
1 – Face Your Problem
First of all, it may sound rather cliché but it is nonetheless 100% true to say that the most important step in the process is that of acknowledging and facing the problem in the first place. The simple fact of the matter is that until you accept that you have a problem, you cannot expect to make any progress whatsoever. Not only this, but this doesn’t mean just going through the motions and saying what you believe you’re supposed to say – it means genuinely accepting that you have a problem.
2 – Support Network
Coping with and dealing with any kind of addiction whatsoever can be extremely difficult and is certainly a process that nobody should ever go through on their own. Don’t fall into the trap of assuming that just because your addiction doesn’t involve a toxic substance, chemical or drug that it isn’t every bit as serious and problematic as many other addictions. In all such instances, success will usually be determined by the strength of the support network around the individual in question. From friends to family members to anyone else with whom the person affected has a close relationship, the more support you have around you throughout the process, the better the likelihood of making significant improvements.
3 – Know Your Triggers
Also like the vast majority of other addictions, those battling sex addiction will have a variety of triggers they probably already know all too well. For example, in the instance of an individual who cannot seem to stop having unsafe sex with multiple partners despite desperately wishing to stop, it would probably be advisable to avoid late night bars and nightclubs. Likewise, those that are addicted to pornography may find it beneficial to spend as much time as possible with other people, or to at least ensure that the time they have completely to themselves with an internet connection is minimised. If you can learn to control your triggers, you’ll find the process much easier.
4 – Support Groups
Just as is the case with every type of addiction, there are plenty of support groups for sex addicts both at physical venues up and down the country and online. While your support network will always be of crucial importance to the process, it can nonetheless be extremely helpful to reach out to and converse with those who are going through something very similar or even identical to what you yourself are going through. In so many instances, simply realising that you are not alone can give you the kind of confidence and reassurance it takes to make incredible changes for the better. The details of such support groups can be found online.
5 – Distractions
In so many instances, the key to beating addiction lies in keeping yourself occupied with as many distractions as necessary to keep you away from temptation. This may sound easier said than done, but is technically speaking incredibly easy. It’s simply a case of ensuring that you always have something to do, which in turn means you do not have sufficient time available to do what it is you would prefer not to be doing.
6 – Professional Help
Last but not least, there are two distinct and unique advantages that come with reaching out to the professionals for advice and guidance. First of all, the thoughts and opinions of a neutral third-party can often be extremely helpful – as can knowing that you can tell this individual absolutely anything without judgment or repercussions. Secondly, there is every chance that even a single consultation with an experienced professional will result in you being provided with the kind of expert guidance and advice that could make the process as a whole so much quicker and easier than you may have believed possible.
