Seeing a family member struggle with addiction isn’t easy. Sex addiction is much like other forms of addiction; those who are suffering from it may try to hide the problem—they might not even think they need treatment. A recent question to the advice columnist on Seacoast Online comes from a relative of somebody who’s struggled with sex addiction for years. The author, identified as “caring relative,” asks:
In many ways, inpatient treatment for sexual addiction, aka “sex rehab,” is similar to substance abuse rehab – focusing on breaking through the addict’s denial, managing the crisis or crises that drove the patient into treatment, social learning, and relapse prevention. Basically, work centers on immediate concerns related to stopping the addictive sexual behavior. Yes, longer term issues like ongoing depression, severe anxiety, low self-esteem, and childhood trauma often underlie sexual addiction and definitely need to be addressed, but these problems are more appropriately dealt with after the addict is stabilized and has a modicum of sobriety under his/her belt.
Most people entering sexual addiction recovery have no real idea what “sexual sobriety” means. Oftentimes people think that, as is the case with alcohol and drug addiction treatment, sobriety entails total abstinence. Happily, this is not the case. Unlike sobriety for alcoholism and drug addiction, sexual sobriety is not defined by ongoing abstinence (though a short period away from sex is often recommended in early recovery as part of the healing process). Instead, in sexual addiction treatment we work with clients to help them carefully determine which of their sexual behaviors are problematic and which of their sexual behaviors do not compromise or destroy their personal values (fidelity, not hurting others, etc.), life circumstances (keeping their job, not getting arrested, etc.), and relationships.
People struggling with sex addiction often feel alone and ashamed, as though no one could possibly understand all that they’ve been through. Then they meet Terry Gatewood, a treatment specialist at the Sexual Recovery Institute (SRI). Kind and insightful with a sharp sense of humor, Terry has a unique ability to relate to his clients.
Taking that first step toward recovery from sexual addiction may literally involve taking that first step into a group meeting. While intimidating to many people living with sexual addiction, walking in to that first meeting can open the door to long-term recovery. However, that can be a very difficult step to make for many individuals.
People with sex addiction are not on the big screen, boasting Hollywood zip codes or high-paid personal assistants. They’re regular people, with families, careers and goals that are all at risk due to the progressive and destructive nature of the addiction. Recent articles, continue to urge more understanding about the true nature of the addiction.
Founded in 1995 by sex addiction expert Robert Weiss, the first intensive sexual addiction outpatient program in the country will expand its reach through acquisition by leading U.S. behavioral healthcare organization
By Gregory Pospisil
When working with groups of sex addicts I often inquire if they’ve ever had any drama in their lives. The laughter in the room this time isn’t merely a ripple, it comes on as a full-tilt wave as they all smile and nod their heads in recognition.
By Gregory Pospisil
The definition of character can be summed up in one word: Action.
Character = Action.
The action we take at any given moment defines our character at that time.
By: Korina Jochim, MA, MFTI
Addiction Specialist
As professionals treating sex addicts and their partners, we have observed that certain patterns over time are hallmarks of sexual addiction. We are often struck by the commonality of the stories we hear and in the interest of helping partners recognize some signs that may indicate there is a problem. We have outlined some “red flags” to watch out for below. If your partner consistently demonstrates three or more of these symptoms, he may be a sex and porn addict.
