Are you someone who knows you suffer from compulsive sexual behavior, but struggles with the idea of having to significantly curtail the amount of sex in your life because of this?  Do you feel like committing yourself to a program of recovery means you are doomed to live a life of celibacy?  If so, read on because I have some good news for you.

What is Harm Reduction and How it Relates to Compulsive Sexual Behavior?

The concept of harm reduction has been around for going on 40 years and was originally conceived of for people who suffer from substance use issues and an alternative to abstinence only programs, according to the NIH website.  It only recently has gained attention because of the huge problems with the opioid epidemic and epidemic of overdose deaths.  Combine that with the pandemic and how hard it can be to get out to a recovery group meeting, and you have a huge need for this kind of alternative.  Compulsive sexual behavior would seem to be a perfect focus for a harm reduction approach because people have a biological need and drive for sex, at least for most people.  If someone can engage in harm reduction in terms of their sexual behavior, that would fit with the ‘progress, not perfection’ theme that most 12-step programs espouse.  

How Harm Reduction for Compulsive Sexual Behavior Might Work

One of the first things that is important to clarify with sexual health is what your values regarding sexual behavior are.  In other words, what are the types of sexual behaviors that violate yours or societies values?  What feels icky or unacceptable to you?  The answers to these questions can help to define what your values are and what kind of harm reduction might be okay for you.  For example, if you don’t feel like masturbation is bad and don’t have any physical issues that crop up for you because of engaging in it, then it may be a form of harm reduction for you.  If your spouse doesn’t mind it, then it doesn’t violate any agreement you have with them.  In this case, masturbation could qualify as harm reduction for you.  Harm reduction isn’t limited to masturbation, but it is a typical consideration in this area.  It all depends on what your values are, as well as what the larger societal values might be…and those are reflected in laws prohibiting certain kinds of behavior (but not always).  

What To Do If Harm Reduction is a Problem in Your Situation

Harm reduction isn’t for everybody.  For example, people who are recovering from alcoholism are not advised to start taking up drinking small amounts of alcohol as part of their recovery program.  The problem is that you can’t not be a sexual being with recovery from compulsive or addictive sexual behavior.  Having a Sexual Health Plan is something a trained professional like me can help you with, however.  It lays out exactly what fits for you with your particular situation, which may or may not go with available support group options.  I can help you determine your own sexual health plan that will reflect your own needs.  If this can’t include harm reduction, it will still be reflected in the plan.  The beauty of the plan is that it doesn’t rely on terminology, just setting up clear lines of acceptable and unacceptable behavior that you are accountable to at least one other person for.  

How I Can Help With Harm Reduction

I have been helping my clients to recover from compulsive or addictive sexual behavior for almost 10 years now and if you would like to find out if I can help you as well, you are welcome to give me a call at the number above or to fill out the inquiry form below.  I will get back to you to schedule a free consult that will help you to figure this out.  The key is breaking out of isolation and letting someone help you to get free of the bonds that have shackled you for so long.  If harm reduction is part of what helps you gain a measure of freedom, then you will know how it can do that as a result of your work with me.  A recovery plan that works for you is the bottom line, and you are the one it has to serve; not the other way around.

Visit our page on sex addiction therapy to find out how Scott can help you with coping skills.   

About the author:  Scott Kampschaefer, LCSW is a private practice therapist in Frederick, Maryland.  He has an extensive background in working with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder at a clinic for older adults with these disorders in Austin.  He now works with adults and adolescents 14 and up in private practice. His most recent book is titled The 5 Pillars of Addiction Recovery and is available for purchase on Amazon and in paperback on this website.