A celibacy period is necessary for a sex addict’s path to recovery.  Below is advice to help keep you on track.

1. View it as a time-out, not an end. A celibacy period will provide you space to refocus on other needs. It is not a sentence, not the end of your sexuality. On the contrary, celibacy will make you fully aware of your sexual self.

2. Work through commitment issues with your partner. The decision to be celibate will affect your partner. Respecting your partner means involving him or her in your thinking so you can commit together to the celibacy period.

3. Get support from your therapist, sponsor, and group. You will need their guidance and help to maximize the experience. Being open with those in your support network will help you to implement your plan.

4. Expect that it will raise issues. For many, this change is drastic and places life issues in sharp relief. Make this a goal and not a surprise.

5. Understand that resistance is typical. You may experience anger and resentment at first. This isn’t surprising. We seldom embark gracefully on any ordeal that involves significant change and insight.

6. Prepare yourself to experience new feelings. The new feelings that emerge will be guides to parts of yourself you need to reclaim. As uncomfortable as these feelings may be, they will serve as significant allies in helping you become all you are.

7. Plan active tasks to enhance the experience. Select a specific step to work on, follow through on assignments from your therapist to help you accept nurturing and develop spiritual and sexual awareness, and keep a journal about the experience.