By Dr. Floyd Godfrey

Reaching the lowest point of sexual addiction is often the beginning of profound transformation. Many individuals suffering from sex addiction describe this as "hitting bottom," a concept outlined in Sex Addicts Anonymous: “For many of us, the spiral of sexual addiction led to what we call 'hitting bottom’” (Sex Addicts Anonymous, 2012, p. 8). This is not merely a moment of regret but a complete breaking point, encompassing mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual collapse. It is often here, in the depths of despair, that God’s grace becomes evident, calling us to surrender fully to Him.

The Reality of Hitting Bottom

Sex addiction is not just a bad habit or a matter of poor self-control. As Sex Addicts Anonymous states, “If it were something we could stop on our own, the negative consequences would be enough to make us stop” (2012, p. 9). This type of addiction is consuming and deceptive, leading sufferers into cycles of denial and self-destruction. “To hit bottom is to reach such a low point—mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually—that we break through our denial” (Sex Addicts Anonymous, 2012, p. 8).

For many, this moment arrives after repeated attempts to fix themselves through sheer willpower, spiritual disciplines, or self-improvement: “Many of us tried to cure ourselves with religious or spiritual practice, moral discipline, or self-improvement” (Sex Addicts Anonymous, 2012, p. 9). However, the realization eventually dawns that true healing is impossible without surrendering completely to God.

Surrendering to God

Scripture teaches us that God desires a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). Reaching the bottom forces addicts to acknowledge their inability to overcome their struggles alone. This surrender aligns with James 5:16, which states, “Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Confession and community are part of the healing design God established for us.

When addicts open their hearts to God’s guidance and seek help from others, they step into His redemptive plan. No longer attempting to fight in isolation, they connect with the body of Christ and experience the hope found in His promise: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, ESV).

Reaching Out to Others

Recovery is deeply relational. By seeking accountability and joining recovery groups like those offered by Sex Addicts Anonymous, individuals find the support needed for healing. As the book explains, “For all of us now in recovery, there came a time when we realized that we simply could not keep on living as before” (Sex Addicts Anonymous, 2012, p. 9).

God created us for connection, and this becomes evident in the recovery process. James 5:16 reminds us of the transformative power of confessing our sins to others. This act of humility and vulnerability strengthens bonds within the Christian community and allows God’s healing to flow.

The Hope of Transformation

Hitting bottom is not the end but the beginning. It is the point where denial is broken, hearts are opened, and God’s grace becomes the central focus. While the path to recovery may be challenging, it is filled with hope. Through surrender to God, confession, and the support of others, addicts can find the freedom they desperately seek.

Floyd Godfrey, PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed clinician for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey, PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.

References
Sex Addicts Anonymous. (2012). Sex Addicts Anonymous. International Service Organization of SAA, Inc.