Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Life can seem full of obstacles and challenges for any man or woman who is struggling with a sexual addiction.
The behaviors associated with this intimacy disorder go far beyond an inability of self-control or an overindulgence in sexual acts.
People who deal with sexual addiction often have a host of factors that influence the development of this disorder, including:
- History of trauma
- Abuse
- Neglect
- Genetic influences
- Environmental factors
- Social factors
- Family history of addictive behaviors
A sexual addiction is not a disorder that someone simply “gets over”, and professional help is typically needed for intervention.
A person who deals with sexual addiction faces enormous consequences that can become overwhelming and difficult to bear. The individual who is facing a sexual addiction or hypersexuality often experiences feelings of:
- Shame
- Guilt
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Despair
- Hopelessness
Dangerous sexual behaviors often continue to persist, even when harmful and negative consequences are being experienced as a result of these choices.
Spirituality
While a collaborative treatment effort is often needed for recovery from sexual addiction, there is also an aspect to spirituality that should be considered in recovery as well.
Many individuals, who are recovering from any form of addiction, including sexual addiction, find it helpful to have hope in a higher power or being, someone greater than themselves and their struggle.
The practice of spirituality may differ for individuals, but many people who can find hope in something greater than themselves can find strength in overcoming many of the challenges they are facing.
If you have been struggling with sexual addiction and having been searching for something to hope in through your journey, consider how spirituality might encourage you in your own journey.
Consider talking with a mentor, pastor, priest, spiritual leader, or someone who can help guide and support you along the way. You do not have to face this journey alone, and finding hope in your recovery can encourage you to continue working through the obstacles you may face.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
Are you in recovery from a sexual addiction? If so, did spirituality or hope in a higher being help you throughout your recovery process? What do you think is the importance of integrating spirituality in sexual addiction recovery?
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 17, 2015
Published on AddictionHope.com