It’s a reasonable question. Is there medicine I can take that will help reduce my sexual urges, and thereby help with my addiction?
The short answer is yes.
In their incredible book, Real Hope, True Freedom, Dr. Milton Magness and Marsha Means report the following data. Naltrexone, a medication primarily used to treat addictions to alcohol and opioids, was given to 19 sex addicts at an outpatient clinic, for a period ranging from two months to two years. Seventeen of the patients (89 percent) reported a reduction in their sexual urges. Another study at the Mayo Clinic found naltrexone to be useful in suppressing the euphoria associated with Internet sexual addiction.
The long answer is no.
While citing these studies, Magness and Means warn, “Remember, there are no shortcuts in recovery or to sexual sobriety. You cannot take a pill to cure sex addiction. Every sex addict must be willing to do the exacting work of recovery if they hope to live free from acting-out behaviors.”
We find this verse, tucked away in one of the minor prophets: “Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
Medicine can help with sobriety. But lasting recovery is rooted in doing the hard work, and tapping into the power of God.
Recovery Step: If you want lasting recovery, engage a detailed recovery plan. I suggest my 90-Day Plan. There is no substitute for hard work and surrender to your Higher Power.
