Breaking a habit or addiction that has a stronghold on your life comes with many difficulties. Removing sources of temptation and separating from individuals that encourage habitual behavior can make breaking free stressful and hard. One of the most difficult aspects of quitting are the withdrawal symptoms that often arise in the initial stages of breaking a habit or an addiction.
Not only can withdrawal cause mental anguish, but the struggle can manifest into physical symptoms that can hinder daily life. Sometimes the withdrawal experience is so difficult that it seems easier to simply accept the addiction rather than continue seeking freedom.
For those suffering from sexual addiction, the process to healing is paved with withdrawal symptoms. Without the proper understanding of the symptoms and their effect on your mental and physical well-being, they can quickly derail even the most promising treatment process. By educating yourself on what the most common sex addiction withdrawal symptoms are – and how to respond when they arise, you can prepare to handle them better.
Understanding Sex Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms
The process of breaking free of a sexual addiction is difficult, and like many addictions, can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms during the early stages of treatment. From intense cravings to symptoms similar to depression or anxiety, understanding the withdrawal effects of sex addiction can help you better handle them when they arise in yourself or those close to you. Much like putting a stop to any addiction, sex addiction withdrawal symptoms can include manifestations in the physical, mental, and emotional realms of your daily life, including:
- Feelings of Ongoing Irritability and Frustration
- Increased Levels of Anxiety
- Symptoms of Depression
- Oversleeping or Insomnia
- Feelings of Hyperactivity
- Hypersensitivity in Daily Interactions
- Increased Anger
- Loss of Interest in Daily Life
- Physical Pain and Discomfort
- Feelings of Exhaustion
- Wild Mood Swings
- An Increase in Irrational or Dangerous Thoughts
- Intense Cravings for Sexual Activity
- Inability to Focus
- Loneliness or Social Isolation
As you experience withdrawal from sex addiction, don’t be surprised if the symptoms swing wildly from one end of the spectrum to the other. Each day may present a new or different experience as you journey toward freedom from the addiction. While knowing what to expect can help, seek care immediately if your symptoms continue to worsen or cause thoughts or actions that may endanger yourself or others.
Endure Withdrawal With Help Fortunately, sexual addiction is a struggle that can be overcome – but not alone. In order to find the strength to endure the many withdrawal experiences that can arise, finding individuals who can partner with you along the way is essential. Help can come in the form of a trusted friend, family member, or professional counselor.
Having the ability to confidentiality discuss your struggle in a transparent and caring environment can help alleviate even the most life-altering withdrawal symptoms. At Novus Mindful Life, our team of counseling professionals can help you journey to freedom from sex addiction. With proven methods, you can move toward a healthy treatment of your addiction and re-establish a healthy sexual experience through personal sex addiction therapy sessions. Contact the Novus Mindful Life team today to learn more about sex addiction, and how personal counseling tailored to your unique needs can help you take back control of your life.