| Sex addiction is the least talked about and least understood of all addictions. For individuals who self-identify as sex addicts, unique health and social consequences are not well understood because of factors, such as stigma. It is important that the nursing community understand this phenomenon to address, understand, and provide sensitive and meaningful care. However, there is limited research on this topic.;The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of individuals who self-identify as sex addicts. Through snowball sampling, five men and five women between 27 to 45 years old, and older. participated in the phenomenological study. Data analysis followed Giorgi’s (1985) descriptive phenomenological method. Watson’s (1996, 2009) Transpersonal Human Caring theory was the theoretical grounding for this study and guided the researcher’s respectful entry into the participants’ world, being mindful of the interconnection of mind, body, and spirit.;Meaning units and themes were revealed through the participants’ experiences as follows: A Connecting with Others: 1. Reaching Out, 2. Seeking Shared Understanding, 3. Connecting with Your Higher Power. B Managing Stigma: 1. Revealing Concealing. C Integrating the Past for Recovery: 1. Reflecting Triggers, 2. Overcoming Powerlessness. D Being Vigilant: 1. Intentional Refocusing, 2. Living an Honest Life. E Giving of Oneself: 1. Informing Others, 2. Doing Service.;The overall structure synthesized from the meaning units and themes was: “The lived experience of seeking health in recovery from sex addiction is dancing on the outer circle, connected to a community that understands fear, shame and the struggle to remain vigilant for pitfalls while intentionally refocusing on living an honest life of giving and receiving.”;In conclusion, recovery from addiction is understood in terms of individuals “seeking help.” This study reframes the experience of recovery from sex addiction as “seeking health.” Seeking health incorporates a holistic, community involved, multifaceted approach to recovery. Understanding how individuals seek health in recovery provides a framework to impart meaningful, sensitive nursing care. |
