Actress and model Cara Delevingne said that sex has become "definitely difficult" since she began her journey with sobriety [1].

Delevingne's reflection highlights the psychological shift that often accompanies recovery, specifically how the removal of substances changes the way individuals seek validation and emotional connection.

In an interview with Playboy, which was later shared by E! News, Delevingne said that her approach to intimacy has evolved since she became sober in 2022 [1, 3]. She said that the experience has become deeper and more emotional, though it presents new challenges. This shift occurred as she moved away from using sex as a means of seeking love and validation [1, 2].

Delevingne credited her partner, musician Minke, for providing stability during this transition. She has been dating Minke since 2022 [2]. "My girlfriend Minke is the most grounding presence throughout my sobriety journey," Delevingne said [2].

By discussing the intersection of sobriety and sex, Delevingne describes a process where intimacy is no longer a tool for external approval. She said that while the process is more demanding, the resulting connections are more profound [1, 2].

“"Sex is definitely difficult."”

Delevingne's public account illustrates a common phenomenon in addiction recovery where the loss of chemical coping mechanisms forces a restructuring of emotional intimacy. By framing sobriety as a catalyst for deeper, albeit more difficult, connections, she highlights the transition from using physical intimacy as a validation tool to using it as a means of genuine emotional bonding.