Recovery isn't a destination.
Recovery is a lifestyle.
There is no overnight, quick fix solution to heal from sex addiction and betrayal trauma.
But others have gone before you to make a way forward toward healing and freedom.
It has taken a lifetime of trauma and behavior development to arrive where you are, and it will take some time for you and your partner to process what has been done, heal what has been broken, and develop the habits that will ensure your recovery.
Typically, individuals who are entering into recovery from sex addiction can expect this journey to take 3-5 years.
Hope & Freedom's Phases of Recovery
There are four phases in the Hope & Freedom Recovery Model: Survival, Stability, Sustaining, and Freedom. Both those who are struggling with compulsive sexual behavior and partners will move through these four phases of recovery.
Phase One: Survival
The Survival Phase of your recovery from sex addiction marks the beginning of your journey. You are in Survival if you have just started recovery, have recently slipped or relapsed, or have not been able to establish a period of sobriety.
Timeframe: 6-12 Months or More
Phase Two: Stability
You move to the Stability Phase of recovery from sex addiction when you have established sobriety, are following a good recovery routine including attending 12-step groups, and are actively working with a sponsor.
Timeframe: 1 Year or More (begins 6
months to 2 years into recovery)
Phase Three: Sustaining
You enter the Sustaining Phase of recovery when you have been free from all acting-out behaviors for at least one year and have worked through all of the steps in your 12-Step program.
Timeframe: 1 Year or More (begins 18 months to 3 years into recovery)
Phase Four: Freedom
You reach the Freedom Phase of recovery when you have been free from all acting-out behaviors for at least 2 years, your recovery habits are a natural part of your daily routine, and you are living a balanced, growing life.
Timeframe: 6-12 Months (begins 2.5 years or more into recovery)
Map Out Your Road to Recovery
Our goal at Hope & Freedom is to greatly reduce the projected time frame for recovery in half by offering a rigorous and robust program that allows for Intensive Outpatient therapy (imagine 6 months of therapy in 3 days) and a comprehensive recovery strategy. Learn more about Hope & Freedom’s Phases of Recovery by downloading your roadmap.
Two Essential First Steps on Your Road to Recovery
If you’re just beginning to explore recovery—whether you're struggling with compulsive sexual behavior or have been hurt by betrayal—you're not alone. The journey may seem overwhelming, but there is a clear place to start.
Sex Addiction 101 and iRecovery 101 are two foundational courses offered through our online learning platform, Hope & Freedom University, each designed to help you take your first courageous steps toward healing and understanding.
These courses are not just educational—they're empowering. They will help you understand what you're facing, clarify your next steps, and remind you that healing is possible.
Start today with resources built to support your very first steps forward.
Sex Addiction 101
This introductory course is for individuals and their partners who suspect they may be struggling with sex addiction or compulsive sexual behavior. It provides a clear explanation of what sex addiction is (and what it isn’t), why it happens, and how real recovery begins.
iRecovery 101
Designed for both individuals in recovery and betrayed partners, this course equips you with real tools that work—practical strategies to build structure, manage emotions, and support daily progress toward healing.
