For individuals in recovery, rebuilding intimacy and rediscovering a healthy sex life can be a delicate part of the healing journey. While Cypress Lake Recovery does not treat sex addiction, we recognize that many individuals struggling with substance use also experience difficulties in their relationships and sexual well-being due to underlying trauma, co-occurring disorders, and emotional dysregulation.
That’s why we approach these challenges through our dual diagnosis treatment model, addressing both mental health and substance use disorders together. Here’s how clients can work toward healthy intimacy during and after recovery.
Many sex addiction recovery programs advocate for at least six months of sexual abstinence in order to help participants learn how to effectively cope with their feelings or stress without turning to sexual activity. However, abstaining from sexual activity may be unsustainable for people who are in long term relationships. Here are some suggestions for returning to a healthy sex life after sex addiction treatment.
Both Partners Need To Feel Involved
Sexual activity is something that happens between two people when they are interacting with each other. Sex addiction can make sex one sided- while one partner is seeking sexual release, they objectify their other partner using them as a mechanism for achieving that sexual release. It is important for sexual activity not to happen to any partner but as an act together. Working with a sexual therapist or your partner’s therapist in treatment, each of you can safely identify the sexual activities which feel cooperative and the sexual activities which do not. Taking each other into consideration as an active part of sexual activity humanizes the experience and enhances the intimacy. At first, this intimacy can be overwhelming or intimidating. With clear communication, expressions of gratitude, and a willingness to talk, it will get better over time.
At Cypress Lake Recovery, we encourage clients to engage in individual therapy that helps them understand how trauma, stress, and mental health symptoms affect their relationships. This includes individual therapy and relationship-focused sessions that promote emotional safety, clear communication, and mutual respect.
Start your journey to freedom from addiction. Cypress Lake Recovery offers compassionate care and the support you need to overcome addiction. Contact us today.
Both Partners Need To Be Consenting
In addition to both partners being involved in sexual activity, both partners have to be willing to engage in sexual activity. Codependency can become a part of relationships where sexual addiction plays a part. In sexual addiction, codependency can be defined by trying to please another partner by engaging in their sexual needs, trying to satisfy their sexual urges, and going beyond personal needs or wants in order to make sure they don’t go elsewhere for their sexual urges. Sex is meant to be a consenting activity. Though you may consent to the activity, you may not be in the mood, feel the energy is right, or want to participate. To build a healthy sexual relationship, it is important to have consent on both ends, so that both partners are present and having their needs met.
Sex Needs To Be An Act Of Intimacy, Not Release
Part of the reason it is important to establish involvement and consent is to make sure that sex is becoming an act of intimacy, love, and relationship exploration instead of an act of release. Sex addiction for many is a coping mechanism for dealing with uncomfortable feelings, thoughts, and obsessions. Acting on sexual urges is a compulsive response to activity in the brain. Having a healthy sex life means identifying the reasons behind wanting to have sex, which, for other relationships, wouldn’t need to be an issue. Though you cannot force your partner to cope or feel their feelings, you can support them in encouraging introspection before sexual activity. If it the need to engage sexually is sudden, spontaneous, or happens right after a stressful situation, that is an indication sex is a release, not a desire to be intimately close.
Reclaiming Confidence in a Safe Environment
Healing from addiction and mental health challenges involves rebuilding confidence in every area of life, including intimacy. Recovery is not about perfection—it’s about progress. Compassion, patience, and professional support are essential tools on this journey.
We provide a safe, serene environment in East Texas where clients receive personalized treatment plans and compassionate support in residential treatment.
Begin Your Journey With Cypress Lake Recovery
At Cypress Lake Recovery, we believe that healing goes beyond sobriety. It’s about building a foundation for lasting wellness and meaningful relationships. Our residential program in East Texas offers comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment and a compassionate team committed to your recovery. Through individualized therapy and life skills development, we help clients learn how to communicate, set boundaries, and rebuild trust—key elements in creating healthy relationships.
If you or a loved one is ready to take the next step, call our admissions team for guidance through the process with care and clarity. Don’t wait—reach out today to start your path toward healing.
Sex addiction recovery needs to be an experience of rejuvenation and restoration. At Cypress Lake Recovery, we seek to provide balance and help clients gain confidence in their ability to make healthy choices. Providing luxury residential treatment in the lush countryside of East Texas, our residential programs exemplify excellence in addiction treatment. For information, call us today.
