About Sexual Addiction
What is Sexual Addiction?
According to the Christian Association for Sexual Recovery the signs of Sexual Addiction may include:
- Spends time late at night on the computer surfing the web, etc.
- Looks at pornographic materials such as magazines, books, videos, clothing catalogs, etc.
- Isolates, not letting spouse know where they are
- Controls during sexual activity or has frequent mood swings before or after sex; demands sex when and where the individual wants it
- Gets angry when anyone shows concern about the problem with pornography
- Offers no appropriate communication during sex
- Lacks intimacy before, during and after sex; offers little or no genuine intimacy in the relationship
- Does not want to socialize with others, especially peers who might intimidate
- Cannot account for an increasing number of 800 or 900 telephone calls
- Stays up late to watch television
- Rents video tapes frequently
- Is preoccupied in public with everything around him
- Tries to switch to other forms of porn to show lack of dependence on one form and makes up rules to cut down on usage, but never seems to fully adhere to those rules
- Has feelings of depression
- Is increasingly dishonest
- Hides pornography at work or at home
- Has no close friendships
- Frequently uses sexual humor
- Always has a good reason for looking at pornography
We Can Help
At The Antioch Group we are committed to helping individuals and couples who struggle with sexual addiction. In your work with us, it is likely that we will suggest a combination of different treatment approaches to help you in your recovery including:
Individual Counseling: We recommend individual counseling for both the sexual addict and his or her spouse. Both male and female counselors are available for this service.
Marital Counseling: Marital counseling is offered to help couples heal their relationship and get on the road to new levels of commitment and intimacy. Additionally, marital counseling can help couples to deal with specific issues in the marriage such as recovering from an affair, dealing with feelings of betrayal of trust, and overcoming sexual dysfunction.
Mutual Support Groups: These groups provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to learn how to better manage their issues.
Co-Dependents of Sex Addicts (COSA): This is a group for the wives of men struggling with sexual addiction. Women in this group gain support from each other and learn about how they can effectively cope with their husband’s sexual addiction. This group is facilitated by Valerie Arnett LCPC, CMADC, CSAT.
Intensive Workshop for Wives of Sex Addicts: If the discovery of your husband’s secret life and sexual addiction has resulted in your feeling alone and scared, isolating from family and/or friends, blaming yourself, rationalizing his behavior, making excuses for him, wondering where to turn for help, becoming depressed and anxious, then please know … Healing Broken Hearts: A Workshop Intensive for Women can help you. This group is facilitated by Valerie Arnett LCPC, CMADC, CSAT. For information on the next Intensive, please contact Val at (309) 692-6622. For additional questions, former participants of the workshop can be contacted at sept2007workshop@aol.com.
Taking the First Step
CALL TODAY: Don’t stay trapped by this addiction!
- Most people who are struggling with an issue like sexual addiction feel a lot of shame and embarrassment
- Unfortunately, this feeling of shame also keeps many people from seeking help
- Sometimes both affected individuals and their spouses feel like there is no hope or that no one can help
If you have questions about whether you or someone you know should set up an appointment call The Antioch Group and ask to speak with:
- Valerie Arnett, LCPC, CMADC, CSAT
- Howard Love, LCPC, CSAT
- Ted Wolgamot, Psy.D., LCPC, CRADC, CSAT/Supervisor
If we are not available when you call, we would be glad to return your phone call.
Related Links
Heart to Heart Counseling Center has information and links to helpful resources. Also, books, audiotapes, and videotapes dealing with recovery and sexual addiction can be found here. The director of the center, Dr. Doug Weiss, also sends out a free, weekly e-mail update dealing with the latest information about sexual addiction.
Pure Intimacy is devoted to those struggling with online pornography and affairs. It has information for individuals addicted to pornography as well as information for the spouses of addicts. Also, this site has links dedicated to protecting your family from online pornography.
Victims of Pornography has information about the damaging effects of pornography and how to get help. Here you can find information for parents and adolescents related to the prevention of pornography problems.
American Family Online (AFO) provides filtered Internet service. This service is highly recommended by the counselors of The Antioch Group.
Exodus International is for individuals and family members of those dealing with homosexuality. Exodus provides information, referrals, and education about homosexuality from a Christian perspective.
Stone Gate Resources gives information about how to attend a retreat at Stone Gate Resources. It is directed by Dr. Harry Schaumburg, author of the book False Intimacy.
Marble Retreat is a Christian counseling center located in Colorado that is designed to help clergy in crisis. It features an eight day program for pastors and missionaries and their spouses.
XXXChurch.com is an awesome ministry that is dedicated to assisting men with sexual addiction. It includes a prayer wall to ask for prayer support as well as a free downloadable pornography web alert for accountability.