By Floyd Godfrey, PhD

As a mental health professional specializing in sexual addiction, I have encountered a variety of withdrawal symptoms that significantly impact individuals in recovery. Among the most common are sleep disturbances and changes in appetite. These symptoms often catch my clients by surprise, particularly because they are not typically associated with behavioral addictions. Yet, as I’ve seen time and time again, the withdrawal from sexual addiction often mirrors the physiological and psychological responses seen in substance addiction. Addressing these symptoms early in the recovery process is crucial for supporting long-term success.

Sleep disturbances, particularly insomnia, are a frequent challenge for individuals in the early stages of recovery. As Patrick Carnes (2015) aptly notes, “For most addicts, one of the most disturbing symptoms is insomnia” (p. 228). In my practice, clients often report difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep. This lack of sleep can exacerbate other withdrawal symptoms, leading to increased irritability, heightened anxiety, and impaired cognitive functioning. These disruptions in sleep can be particularly distressing, as they contribute to a sense of physical and emotional exhaustion, which may weaken the individual’s resolve to stay on the path to recovery.

One of the reasons for these sleep disturbances is the body’s response to the sudden cessation of compulsive sexual behaviors. For many addicts, these behaviors became a means of emotional regulation—a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or discomfort. When the addictive behavior is removed, the body must re-learn how to regulate itself naturally. This process can take time, and the transition often manifests in difficulty sleeping. In these cases, I emphasize the importance of creating healthy sleep hygiene routines and reducing exposure to triggers that may further disturb sleep, such as stress or digital stimuli late at night. Therapeutic practices like mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are instrumental in helping clients manage the anxiety that often contributes to their insomnia.

Appetite changes are another common symptom of sexual addiction withdrawal. Interestingly, many clients report either a marked increase or a sharp decrease in appetite during the first few weeks of recovery. Patrick Carnes (2015) points to a revealing statistic: “In one study, 38% of sex addicts who went through treatment had eating disorders” (p. 229). This connection between sexual addiction and disordered eating underscores how deeply intertwined these compulsive behaviors can be with emotional and psychological regulation. For some, sexual addiction may have replaced or masked other coping mechanisms, such as overeating or undereating. When the addiction is removed, these unhealthy patterns with food can re-emerge or intensify.

I have observed that many of my clients turn to food as a substitute for the dopamine rush they previously obtained from their compulsive sexual behaviors. Increased appetite, particularly for high-fat, high-sugar foods, can be a way of self-soothing in the absence of the addictive behavior. On the other hand, some individuals lose their appetite altogether, feeling nauseous or too anxious to eat. This shift can lead to significant weight fluctuations, which, in turn, may negatively impact their physical health and emotional well-being. Recognizing these changes as part of the withdrawal process helps clients understand that they are not isolated symptoms but rather manifestations of a broader rebalancing within the body.

In my practice, I focus on helping clients regain a sense of control over their eating habits and sleep patterns by integrating mindful eating techniques and stress-reduction exercises into their recovery plans. Addressing these symptoms early allows clients to avoid additional health complications and strengthens their commitment to recovery. Encouraging healthy routines around meals and sleep can also provide a structure that combats the unpredictability and discomfort of withdrawal.

Ultimately, while sleep disturbances and appetite changes are challenging, they are temporary and manageable with the right support. By focusing on these common withdrawal symptoms, clients can gain a deeper understanding of their bodies and move toward a balanced and healthy life free from addiction.

Floyd Godfrey, PhD is a Clinical Sexologist and a Certified Sex Addiction Specialist. He has been guiding clients since 2000 and currently speaks and provides consulting and mental health coaching across the globe. To learn more about Floyd Godfrey, PhD please visit his website: www.FloydGodfrey.com.

References

Carnes, P. (2015). Facing the Shadow: Starting Sexual and Relationship Recovery (3rd ed.). Gentle Path Press.