Conservatively, at
least 6-8% of the adult U.S. population struggles with sexual addiction. And
millions more are at risk: one in three regular Internet users visits a
sexually oriented site each month. If you or someone you love deals with
secret sexual behavior, you're not alone!
Even for Christians, sexual addiction has become the addiction of choice.
Sexual addiction is an umbrella term that describes a variety of
compulsive behaviors. The type of acting out (viewing pornography, using
prostitutes, having affairs, whatever)
isn't as important as the pattern and reasons driving it. According to
Patrick Carnes, Ph.D., an addiction is a pattern of unmanageable behavior
that continues despite someone's efforts to stop.
"Sexual addiction" is actually not about sex at all. It's an intimacy
disorder - using sexual activity or a relationship in a desperate search
for connection, affirmation or love. Sex addiction is a coping mechanism - a
way to medicate painful feelings, experiences and memories. While "sex
addiction" is a misnomer, unfortunately, it's one we're probably stuck with.
Bethesda Workshops provides Christian treatment for sexual addiction
recovery. We have an intensive workshop program for maleandfemale sex addicts(or those heading that direction), co-sex addicts(spouses or ex-spouses of addicts), and addict/co-addict couples.
Our Resourcessection contains suggested books, 12 Step groups, organizations and links,
and our section for Professionalshas a wealth of clinical information. There is help and hope!
