Renegotiating Sex in a Marriage After Sexual Addiction Treatment

Senior couple looking out their window

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

A sexual addiction at its core is related to an intimacy disorder, in which an individual may have difficulty being open, honesty, and vulnerable with other individuals, particularly those closest to them.

While it is though that several different factors may influence the development of a sexual addiction, the experience of emotional or psychological trauma has been shown to influence the development of this intimacy disorder.

For example, a person who suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment from primary caregivers may have had a more difficult time securing attachment in relationships.

Coping Mechanisms

Emotional and psychological pain and trauma can lead to the need for coping mechanisms that negates or hides this pain. For many individuals who struggle with sexual addiction, this may be a means of avoiding genuine connections in relationships or creating an emotional distance while finding a temporary means of escaping.

Because of the complexity of the issues underlying sexual addiction, professional help is necessary to guide a person towards total and complete healing.

Couple having relationship problemsFor the spouse or partner of a person dealing with a sexual addiction, the recovery journey can seem arduous and overwhelming. Rebuilding trust and honesty in a relationship is a necessity in order for intimacy to truly flourish.

Identifying and addressing the behaviors associated with sexual addiction are also crucial steps in the process of recovery and needed in order to rebuild relationships with loved ones.

The process of dealing with underlying issues associated with a sexual addiction, such as unresolved trauma, conflict, abuse, etc., may be painful but is ultimately healing. As a recovering sex addict begins to heal, many signs will be evident in their life that may indicate they are ready to move forward with establishing healthy relationships.

Relationships in themselves are complex and require dedication and commitment on both sides. For these reasons, it may be helpful to involve a sex therapist and/or marriage and family therapist for appropriate counseling and guidance on the process of renegotiating sex after sexual addiction treatment.

If you and your spouse are struggling with this issue, be sure to seek out professional help and counseling in order to better manage the circumstances you may be facing.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What are some resources that may be helpful to a couple rebuilding their relationship after sexual addiction?


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Crystal Karges

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