Sex Addiction

A Special Section of HealthyMind.com

Sex addiction is a destructive and difficult problem. It ruins relationships, costs jobs, causes arrests, and destroys self-esteem and physical health. Millions of people are affected. And it is not primarily a moral problem. It is a problem of out-of-control feelings and behaviors. However, where there is a desire to recover there is hope.

The following information about recovery is located both on this site and elsewhere. Many of pages are versions of handouts that I use in my practice. Some have redundant content because they are designed to be used as individual handouts rather than as a group.

If you did not read the general page on addictions you can read it here. Good luck!

What Is Sex Addiction?

* = pages elsewhere on the web

• Nature of Sexual Addiction and Recovery
  A very brief outline of the process of becoming addicted and recovering from addiction
• Criteria for Sex Addiction
  A list of behavioral criteria that describe sexual addiction
• Strung Out On Sex
  An exceptional article about the nature of sexual addiction. It originally appeared in a St. Louis newspaper and is a MUST READ for anyone attempting to understand sexual addiction.
• Questions and answers about the nature of sex addiction*
  A description of sex addiction by Dr. Patrick Carnes, probably the best known expert in this field in the United States. His book Don't Call It Love is the standard in the field about the nature of sex addiction. It can be ordered from Amazon.com.
• Addiction and Recovery Over Time
  Two graphs depicting the long term effects of addiction and recovery on ones sense of well-being
• Taking the Sex Addiction Screening Test*
  An online test to help you evaluate your sexual behavior by Dr. Patrick Carnes, Ph.D.
• Love Sick:One Woman's Journey Through Sexual Addiction*
  Sue William Silverman has written a book describing in very poignant and honest language the story of her recovery from sex addiction. It gives a good feel for the emotional terrain that some people experience in their recovery. This link goes to her website where you can read an excerpt from the book and order one.
• Internet Porn Statistics*
  A compilation of statistics about internet porn on another site.
• A caution about labeling and objectifying "addicts"
  A few words about the use of the term "addict" in these pages
• Information and recommendations for spouses and partners

Getting Started

• Key Terms in Recovery
• Cycle of addiction - A PDF file showing the cycle of acting out behavior
• Going Through Withdrawal
• Recognizing / Setting Your Bottom Line
• Identifying a Toxic State
• The Importance of Nurture
• Identifying Triggers
• Choosing an Internet Filter

Making Progress

Relationships

• "Addict/Codependent" and "Love Addict/Avoidant" Pairings
  Relationship patterns that frequently occur when one partner has an addiction

Cognitive-Behavioral Helps

• Coping With Urges
  Very helpful ideas about how to cope with cravings and urges. This article was originally on the web at HabitSmart.com. However that site was removed and this is a PDF of it.
• Cognitive Distortions
  Working through cognitive distortions is a basic skill needed for recovery. Here is a list of common errors we make in our thinking.
• Tips for Trips
  Here are some first-rate suggestions for staying sober while traveling.

Gaining a Long Term Perspective

• Long Term Acceptance
  What one has to accept about sex addiction for the long haul...and what one doesn't.

Making a Recovery and Relapse Prevention Plan

• Recovery and Relapse Prevention Plan
  Chart your course to a sane and serene life

Special section continued: Click here for

information about support groups