Accepting help does not mean you’ve failed; it means you’re no longer in it alone.
Typically, healing from sex and porn addiction presents challenges that can’t be dealt with solely in individual, one-on-one therapy. In fact, we nearly always require external reinforcement and support if we want to permanently change our deeply rooted patterns of behavior. Twelve-step groups can be extremely helpful in this regard. In these meetings, we learn that our problems are not unique, which goes a long way toward reducing the shame associated with our behaviors. Twelve-step meetings are also an ideal place to confront and overcome denial. When we share, our fellows in recovery let us know through their reactions whether we’re grounded in reality or still living in denial. We can also learn which interventions and coping mechanisms work best based on others’ experiences. Most importantly, we learn that helpful support and direction are available from many caring people, not just a primary therapist or a lone accountability partner.
Task for Today
If you haven’t been to a 12-Step meeting lately, go. And when you’re there, share.