Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Dealing with sexual addiction results in consequences that are devastating to a person in multiple ways, including physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and financially.
Sexual addiction develops as a result of multiple factors, many which a an individual who is struggling cannot necessarily prevent, such as abnormal neurobiology or the experience of a traumatic childhood event. Nonetheless, the side effects that result from sexual addiction are a direct result of the behaviors associated with sexual addiction, many which can be difficult to recover from.
It is not uncommon for a person with a sexual addiction to suffer broken relationships, lost jobs or careers, and to ultimately ruin a respectable reputation that may have previously established. Engaging in explicit sexual behaviors can cause a lost of trust and disruption of character, as acts and behaviors speak louder than words.
Rebuild Your Rep
While restoring character and a reputation may seem hopeless, particularly one that has been damaged by sexual addiction, there is hope for restoration and rebuilding with recovery.
One of the most important steps that can be taken toward reestablishing character and reputation is taking a step towards treatment and help. By admitting your struggle with sexual addiction and reaching out for the appropriate help you need, you are communicating your seriousness about getting better and keeping your health and wellness a priority.
This step in itself speaks volumes to loved ones and those who care about you, as it shows your commitment to overcoming sexual addiction. It is also important to follow through with professional recommendations and carry out your individual treatment protocol.
Though it may seem impossible to begin piecing back a life that has been broken by sexual addiction, reaching out for professional support and guidance can be an invaluable tool in this process. Symptoms and behaviors are likely to be reoccurring if underlying issues are left unaddressed.
Seeking out appropriate help and professional treatment for sexual addiction can help you rebuild your life and your reputation, one step at a time. If you are needing help but are unsure where to begin, consider searching the professional directory on the Addiction Hope website to find a specialist in sexual addiction today.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
If you have been in recovery for sexual addiction, what aspects of your treatment helped you rebuild your life and reputation?
Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on November 19, 2015
Published on AddictionHope.com