The first stage in treatment for sexual addiction is to recognise that this is a serious problem in your life, and time and effort is going to be needed to overcome it. Most people need help from friends, family, groups of similarly affected people, such as Sex Addicts Anonymous, and a therapist trained to help with sexual addiction. Where a person is in a relationship, often the partner needs help, (possibly from a group like Al-Anon), and their own therapist, and couple counselling may also be necessary.

Very often, sexual addiction is connected to depression, which may be deeply hidden. The sexual acting out covers the feelings of hopelessness and despair for a short while, then they return. It is very common for people starting on the road to recovery to have some antidepressant medication for a while.

Having recognised the problem, the next step is to decide how to start to overcome it. Who are you going to tell? Whose lives will be affected by your decision to give up your habit? Who can you ask for help when you feel weak and need some personal backing? Where can you find support groups, both for you and for your partner? Where can you find a therapist? What is it all going to cost, and what can you afford? If your addiction has been costing you money, and reducing your earning power, take that into account as you work out the financial side.

Having considered these questions, decide how to start, and who to tell, contact a therapist, and make your first visit to a group. From then on, you will have guidance and support and the rest is up to you. Good Luck!