Recovering from problematic sexual behaviors is an ongoing commitment that requires a little effort every day to prevent relapse. While residential treatment and other such therapies equip you with the tools to cope, it is just the beginning. The actual work starts when you return to your everyday life. Here, the risk of relapse is very real.
However, that does not mean falling into old ways is inevitable. You can still maintain your progress and continue to heal. To support your PSB recovery, let’s explore some healthy strategies for preventing relapse after sexual addiction treatment.
When facing the challenges of recovery, it’s important to have a reliable support network to cushion you. Not only does this network provide encouragement, but it also reinforces accountability. Your network involves the people you trust, who know and understand your struggles and may include:
Regularly checking in and having honest conversations with them about any struggles and progress keeps you grounded and motivated. More importantly, it helps reduce feelings of shame and loneliness, which are all too familiar for those working through problematic sexual behaviors.
Emotional regulation means managing your emotions in a healthy way rather than letting them control you. It involves skills such as:
When overcoming problematic sexual behaviors, these skills stop us from acting on our obsessions or compulsions. Mindfulness practices are particularly helpful here. Activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and journaling teach us to stay present and observe emotions. This, in turn, reduces their intensity. With practice, you can create a pause between feeling strong urges and taking action, giving you the time to choose a healthier response.
A RPP is a proactive strategy that fits your specific circumstances. It makes identifying risky situations and recognizing PSB warning signs much simpler. It also outlines what you should do to manage these situations effectively. For example, if you know that feeling lonely makes you more likely to engage in problematic behaviors, your plan might include:
Such structure gives you options so the next time you’re faced with temptation, you don’t feel like you have no control or choice.
No matter how long it has been since you sought PSB treatment, whether a month, a year, or more – there is no shame in seeking additional help when needed. In fact, it is a sign of strength. Not only does this ongoing professional support help maintain progress, but it also addresses new challenges if they arise. Therapists can offer guidance and adjust strategies as time goes on.
Preventing recurrence post-treatment is not impossible. However, it does involve a little work every day. By building a strong support network, improving your emotional regulation, and developing a comprehensive relapse prevention plan, you can – and will – achieve long-term recovery.
Remember, treatment for PSB is always available – especially when coping with relapse triggers becomes overwhelming. Seeking help again is in no way, shape, or form a sign of failure. Rather, it is a sign of your commitment to your recovery.
Each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. Embrace your recovery journey, and know you are capable of remarkable change and growth.
To learn more about our PSB residential treatment programs at Paradise Creek Recovery, Contact our team today at (855) 442-1912 or email [email protected].
