Here are some things that we have found that work.
IMMEDIATELY:
Recommended activities to begin your journey of recovery. *
- See a Therapist: Set up an appointment with a Christian Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) or equivalent. A psychiatrist may be in order as many Sex Addicts suffer from ADHD, depression, or other disorders that can inhibit recovery if not treated.
- Recovery Books Reading: Read recovery books by Patrick Carnes, Out of the Shadows, Don’t Call it Love, etc...
- See our suggested recovery books list in this newcomer packet.
- Attend Recovery Meetings: Attend as many sexual recovery meetings as possible. Contact us for a list.
- Eliminate Pornography: Eliminate any and all pornography! This includes any movies or magazines that display any nudity or sexual actions/innuendos.
- Cell Phone Number: Change cell phone number. The only exception is if the number has never been used in acting out.
- Internet Filtering Software: Download internet and computer filtering software.
- E-mail Address: Change e-mail address. The only exception is if the e-mail had never been used in acting out. Also, eliminate any extra e-mail addresses, especially those used in acting out.
- Financial Accounts: Close any secret bank and credit card accounts
- Sponsor: Find a Sponsor! You will find one at one of your sexual recovery meetings.
- Accountability: Find an accountability partner (not your wife) to help you, ask you questions, and challenge you to remain sexually pure.
- Triggers: Begin to identify your sexual triggers. Discuss them with your therapist and sponsor
DAILY:
Recommended activities to begin your journey of recovery.*
- Meditations: Read daily Letting God, Jesus Calling, or other Meditations.
- Affirmations: Read a new affirmation out loud, each day, multiple times a day.
- Prayers of Gratitude: Morning & evening prayers for sobriety and recovery.
- Steps: Do any “step work.” Even a little will help!
- Literature: Read recovery materials, SAA book, sex addiction books, 12-step books, The Bible, etc....
- Computer Use: Limit computer use. Only use computers with filtering & accountability software installed.
- Multimedia: Allow only music and movies that support your recovery.
- Television: Limit or eliminate watching of television. Today’s television programs can be filled with sex and violence.
- Caffeine: Reduce intake of Caffeine. Alcohol: NO alcohol.
- Journal: Daily recovery related entries in a journal.
- Drugs: No illegal drugs. Prescription drugs only as directed.
- Sleep: Get regular sleep (7 – 8 hours a night). Very important for your recovery.