What Is Sexual Addiction? 

Sexual addiction is similar to other addictions. First, the behavior is compulsive. Second, the person continues their behaviors even when they know it is harmful. Third, the addiction becomes their priority. 

As a result, this affects you in a variety of ways. For example, you may be left with all of the housework and childcare. Maybe you try to manage the bills and can't figure out where the money is going. Furthermore, the addiction replaces time spent with you. 

How Does Sexual Addiction Cause Betrayal Trauma? 

Learning your spouse has a sexual addiction can feel like the ultimate betrayal. The intensity of the moment can be stored within like other traumatic events are. As a result, you may experience a symptom similar to that of crime victims and war veterans: you no longer believe your world is safe. 

When a person you depend on violates your trust, it can cause betrayal trauma. Discovering a sexual addiction is often a significant trust violation. As a result, you begin to suffer both physically and mentally. For example, your mental health declines when you physically can not sleep at night. Emotional distress can cause debilitating headaches and muscle tension. Likewise, racing thoughts can make it hard for you to concentrate. 

Flashbacks replay in your mind. For example, you might remember when your spouse blamed you for something you didn't feel was your fault. Or when you felt something was off, but you gave your spouse the benefit of the doubt. Even worse, you might remember confronting your spouse only to be told you were crazy. As you begin to question everything about your relationship, even your sweetest memories may feel jaded. 

On the contrary, you may be feeling like you don't deserve love or that you can't trust yourself. The truth is, your spouse deceived you through his sexual addiction. Furthermore, you're experiencing a very normal reaction to a betrayal of trust. These scenarios represent symptoms of betrayal trauma.

Regardless of whether you hope to remain together or if you want to move forward on your own, healing is possible. You deserve to have support through such a difficult time in your life.

Is It Possible to Rebuild Trust if My Partner Has a Sexual Addiction? 

Rebuilding trust after discovering sexual addiction is possible. In fact, many couples choose to remain together. Although the journey is difficult, marriages can and do survive. 

There are ways to rebuild trust if your partner has a sexual addiction. With the help of a therapist, you can work together to set and hold boundaries. Likewise, trust can be rebuilt through honest communication. In sessions together, as you ask questions and get answers, it can open the door to rebuilding trust. 

At this point, a therapist who understands sexual addiction can be a vital component of healing. Support groups can be a great resource to help rebuild trust. For example, he may commit to a 12-step program, and you may find a support group for spouses of sex addicts. 

Disclosure of a sexual addiction can cause betrayal trauma. As a result, you may need treatment to heal. At Walk by Faith Counseling, we can provide you with the support you need. We specialize in treating sexual addiction and betrayal trauma. As a result, we understand the challenges that lie ahead. We can help both of you through the healing process. Call us today. We look forward to speaking with you.