In parts one through three of this series, we have covered the different levels of care for addressing sex addiction. While these are the most common methods of treatment for sex addiction, it is certainly not an exhaustive list of all the components of treatment. Also, careful consideration should be made that the course of treatment is appropriate for each individual client.
In fact, an individual’s path to recovery is rarely this cut and dry. A Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) can provide a thorough assessment to help determine the best and most appropriate recommendations for an individual. Considerations and discussion are necessary on what is realistic in terms of time constraints and financial considerations such as insurance. Although often a good option, there is no magic to “inpatient care”. In many cases, it is not a consideration for clients due to time or financial constraints. In this case, clinicians may help build a level of support in an outpatient setting. Other times, a client may not be ready to face the level of care really necessary to help them achieve sustained sobriety, and their outpatient therapist will continue to work with them to be able to do so. All in all, recovery is available at all levels of care. One course may be more difficult than others, but recovery is a personal choice, and can be obtained through any of these routes.
In general, it takes 3-5 years to develop solid recovery in sex addiction. This means 3-5 years of really prioritizing recovery and working a program that includes therapy and support groups (like 12 step programs). This does not mean that in five years all problems will be solved, but it generally means that if someone can get to that point then some significant changes have likely happened. That being said, relapse is often a part of this process, and each relapse stalls the process. Depending on the nature of the relapse, it may be significantly stalled, or may just be a bump in the road.
The bottom line is that real change is a process that takes significant time, and will be somewhat unique to each person. If you are struggling to maintain sobriety at your current level of care, then you may consider the other options discussed in this series? It is always recommended that you speak to your current provider, and discuss what options would be best for you. If you do not have a current provider, and are interested in a formal assessment for sex addiction, please contact our office to schedule an assessment with one of our Certified Sex Addiction Therapists (CSAT).