If your loved one is struggling with sex addiction, you know how painful and devastating it can be for him or her, as well as the rest of your family members. Sex addiction, like other addictions has a ripple effect across the entire family. Along with all of the hurt and confusion, you may also feel a strong desire or need to help your loved one with his or her recovery. In fact, the help and support of family members can play a critical role in recovery. However, you may not know what you can do or how you can help. Helping a sex addict can be difficult, and the closer you are to the addict the harder it can be to give the individual the help needed.
Help Yourself First
It may seem selfish, but making sure that you are healthy is the first thing that you can do to help your loved one with a sex addiction. You will be no good to anyone in your family if you are suffering and unhealthy yourself. There are many options for family members to get help including counselors, therapists and support groups. Think of it this way, you need a solid foundation to build a house upon. In order to rebuild your family, all of your members need to be healthy and well-grounded. This way, everyone can support their addicted loved one during the most trying moments of his or her addiction and recovery.
Confront Your Loved One
This may be painful for you, but confronting your loved one is one important way you can help him or her take those first steps toward recovery. If you don’t know what to do or say, you can discuss it with your counselor, therapist or support group. You don’t want to seem judgmental, but at the same time, you don’t want to ignore or enable the addiction. Some sex addicts are unaware of their addiction, while others are in denial. While you can’t force your loved one to admit his or her addiction, you can make it known that you see that he or she has a problem and needs to get help.
Research Sex Addiction
Learn as much as you can about sex addiction. Most people don’t understand it at all. Understanding will allow you to relate to your loved one and help him or her more effectively. After you understand the ins and outs of sex addiction, you should research the different recovery options that are available in your area. Seeking recovery can be intimidating for addicts. If you are able to provide your loved one with a wide range of options to look at as he or she begins to look at recovery, then getting help will be that much easier.
Listen and Be Positive
Sex addicts are so isolated and emotionally damaged that sometimes just having someone to talk to is important. As a family member, your loved one will need to know that you are willing to talk openly about the addiction. Providing support is more important than knowing what to say or how to help. At the end of the day, the most important thing you can do is love your family member and support him or her throughout the recovery process.