Advanced Trauma Care and Recovery

Do I Need Religion to Recover From A Porn Addiction?

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 06:03:26 GMT

Although anything is possible, when you're dealing with porn addiction, recovery is much more likely with support.

Support comes in a variety of ways. For example, in addition to your family or friends, you may need a therapist, support groups, and a higher power to help you along your journey. Although support will vary, there are many reasons why each plays a vital role in your recovery.

In this article, we'll talk about the importance of having a good support system in place as you begin your journey. Likewise, we'll identify 3 reasons why discovering your higher power may help you reach porn addiction recovery.

Why Can't I Overcome My Porn Addiction on My Own?

Interrupting the cycle of porn addiction can be very difficult, even more so as you attempt to do so on your own. While it isn't impossible, those who seek support are more likely to succeed.

There are many stumbling blocks that make the cycle of porn addiction so painstakingly difficult to break. For example, it's easy to get lost in justification. Another includes learning how to avoid the intense need to respond to triggers. Engaging in secretive behavior is another part of the cycle that can keep you trapped.

Porn addiction often requires accountability, insight, healthy coping skills, and ongoing support. Typically, this comes from many people. For example, a therapist can help you work through issues and learn healthy alternatives to coping with triggers. Meeting with a small group of people already in recovery offers many benefits. Likewise, a trusted friend, religious leader, or family member can help with accountability. Furthermore, participating in a 12-step program can offer support and insight you may not see for yourself.

As you move toward porn addiction recovery, remember you don't need to do this alone. Likewise, you're more likely to find success by allowing others to help you. Relying on your higher power can also provide comfort and purpose. It may be the essential part of the puzzle that helps you identify how all the pieces fit together.

Do I Need Religion to Recover From Porn Addiction?

Discovering or relying on your higher power offers many benefits as you work toward porn addiction recovery. However, some may feel reluctant to participate in a program that connects recovery to religion. It's important to know, discovering your higher power doesn't have to be associated with a religion.

You don't have to belong to a religion to find success in recovery from porn addiction. A common misconception is spirituality and religion are synonymous. In reality, they are different. For example, spirituality is the process of personal discovery as you focus on who you are and your purpose in life. This can help you set specific goals that you feel match your personal values and beliefs.

3 Ways Your Higher Power Can Help with Porn Addiction Recovery

There are three aspects of a higher power that prove to be helpful in the recovery process.

Your higher power can help you find purpose and meaning in life. Shifting your focus from your relationship with your porn addiction to your higher power can lead to sobriety.
You can discover you're not alone. When triggers come, the intensity can consume you. For example, you are likely to experience feelings of overwhelm, frustration, loneliness, and even shame. However, relying on your higher power can be a great way to reduce these emotions.
Believing in a power bigger than yourself can lead to change. Often, porn addiction can trap you in a vicious cycle of hopelessness. However, faith in a higher power can help you find inner strength, confidence, and motivation to move forward.

At Counseling Paths, we are here to be part of your porn addiction recovery journey. There are many aspects of addiction that are challenging to overcome on your own. As such, we're here to help you learn how to break from the cycle and enjoy your life in recovery.

W e would love to see if we can help you. Call us today.

5 Important Questions to Ask Yourself After Infidelity

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 06:40:04 GMT

Infidelity is more common than you may think. What you likely understand all too well is how devastating it can be. Should I stay? Can trust be rebuilt? Should we just end things now? Questions like this may be racing through your mind after discovering your partner's infidelity.

Infidelity occurs when a promise is broken with a partner, whether there are marriage vows or an alternate commitment. The details into the definition of infidelity can vary from couple to couple. For example, some would put an emotional affair or viewing pornography into the same category.

In this article, we'll highlight 5 questions to ask yourself as you ponder what life after infidelity might look like.

5 Questions to Ask Yourself as You Consider Life After Infidelity.

Dr. John Gottman provides three questions to ask yourself as you consider whether your relationship can heal after infidelity.

The first question you can ask yourself is, "If I could trust my partner again, would I want to remain committed?" For example, can the two of you still have fun together?

The next question Dr. Gottman invites you to consider is, "Despite my partner's actions, can I imagine being able to trust again?" Suppose you're able to imagine being happy or wanting to be intimate again after you've healed. If yes, that is a good sign your relationship can heal.

Another question Dr. Gottman asks is possibly one of the most important, "Can I forgive?" He clarifies this does not mean you condone your partner's choices. Instead, forgiveness means the choices your spouse made will not have power over you. Research shows forgiveness is vital to healing after infidelity. In fact, if you don't foresee being able to forgive, at some point, your relationship is not likely to last. (www.gottman.com)

There are a few more questions you can ask yourself. "Am I having trauma symptoms?" It's common for many people to experience betrayal trauma after discovering infidelity. If you're having symptoms, there is treatment available to offer you the support you need so you can heal.

The final question to consider is, "What does my spouse want?" Suppose only one of you wants to rebuild trust and heal. In that case, that's a good indication of the direction your relationship is headed. Likewise, if you answer no to any of the first three questions, even the best efforts from both of you will likely fall short.

Ultimately, you are the only one who can answer the question, "Should I stay or should I go?"

We Want to Work Toward Healing After Infidelity, Now What?

If both of you decide you want to remain together and work toward healing, there are ways to do that. Seeking professional help may provide you with insight into your relationship. A therapist can help you navigate through the challenges that come with restoring trust after infidelity.

At Counseling Paths, we understand the challenges that come after infidelity. As a result, we aim to help you heal both individually and as a couple.

What Are 5 Common Sexual Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms?

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 06:26:05 GMT

Sexual addiction can be difficult to define. After all, there's an ongoing debate between some professionals about the reality of the addiction. In the latest release of the DSM, you won't find diagnosis criteria for sexual addiction. However, for those who live with the addiction or love someone with does, the reality couldn't be more clear.

Sexual addiction is a dangerous and destructive addiction. Choosing to overcome your addiction can be one of the most courageous and life-changing decisions you'll make. While the road to recovery will be challenging, the abundance of joy and freedom of recovery can make your efforts worth it.

Let's talk about what sexual addiction is. We'll also discuss five withdrawal symptoms you may encounter as you strive to maintain recovery.

What Might Sexual Addiction Look Like?

Without a listing in the DSM, funding for research is limited. After all, one reason why there may not be an official standing in the DSM is the lack of scientific-based research and evidence. However, there are many professionals dedicated to treating sexual addiction. As a result, the following criteria seems to identify sexual addiction:

sexual obsession; excessive preoccupation with sexual thoughts and behaviors
unsuccessful at attempts to stop behaviors
behaviors continue despite risks and negative consequences

Sexual addiction may not be in the DSM because society seems to dictate what acceptable sexual behavior is. Likewise, cultural norms seem to define what is excessive. Yet, addictive behavior patterns and withdrawal symptoms look very similar to other addictions.

Let's talk about what withdrawal symptoms you'll likely encounter as you work toward your goal of recovery.

5 Common Withdrawal Symptoms of Sexual Addiction

Sexual addiction withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to live with. Like other addictions, withdrawal symptoms are similar in nature. As such, you'll need a solid relapse prevention plan to get you through. This will also include what to do if you relapse. Keep in mind, relapse is not inevitable, but many do. Thus, making the commitment to recovery even more vital to your success.

Cravings. Sexual addiction rewires how your brain acts and reacts. As a result, it will feel like your brain is demanding you seek and obtain your next high. What can you do instead?
Triggers. Triggers can come out of nowhere. Often, a thought will enter your mind, and your immediate response will revolve around the idea of relapse. For example, in the beginning, you may have turned to sexual behaviors to escape difficult emotions or reality. Now, it's your turn to work through those emotions in healthy ways. In the meantime, having a good support team in place can be vital when a trigger hits.
Irritability and Mood Swings. Your brain is not likely to celebrate the idea of leaving your sexual addiction behind. As a result, you're likely to experience mood swings and irritability. This is very normal, and over time, your emotions will even out.
Dysphoria. Dysphoria is defined as feeling extremely unhappy and dissatisfied. As a result, this may be one of the most difficult withdrawal symptoms to work through. Again, your support system will be essential.
Lack of focus. Sexual addiction has been in the forefront of your mind for some time now. As a result, shifting to other thoughts and behaviors can leave you feeling unable to focus. Thoughts may be scattered as you push through cravings and try to fill your mind with new ideas.

Where Can I Find Help for My Sexual Addiction?

The fight for recovery can be overwhelming and exhausting. In the beginning, your withdrawal symptoms are likely to be so intense you'll want to tap out. However, as you continue to work toward recovery, the intensity of your symptoms will reduce. The good news is, sexual addiction recovery is possible. In addition, you've already taken what some say is the hardest step, admitting you have an addiction.

At Counseling Paths, we understand the challenges that come with sexual addiction. As a result, we are dedicated to helping you find the tools that can help you stay on the path of recovery. We'd love to talk to you, call us today .