Posted by Tony P on September 17, 2003, at 21:14:21
In reply to Dr. Bob's Position on Internet Porn is Disturbing., posted by Simcha on September 17, 2003, at 19:40:57
While I have no problem with Dr. Bob's opinion as quoted, I certainly want to second Simcha's excellent post on the seriousness of sex addiction.
Both the treatment centre I attended last year and recent Narcotics Anonymous literature emphasize the unitary nature of Addiction Disorder as a single disease manifested in different ways. My primary addiction is to Rx and OTC drugs, but I have come to see other compulsions in my life (e.g. workaholic, eating disorders, net-surfing, and, yes, sex) as just another manifestation of my disease.
As I am currently without a partner, my sexual activity is confined to me and the internet, so no other people (or small animals!) are directly hurt. Without going into gory detail, suffice it to say that I see this as a destructive and addictive activity for me as (1) it is compulsive, i.e. I can resolve not to and then break that resolution an hour later; (2) it uses up hours of time when I should be doing more productive things - or sleeping; (3) some things I do are potentially physically harmful to me.
I am able to deal with all these compulsions in the context of NA's 12-step program "We ... were powerless over our addiction...." (not just over drugs). Many of my fellow addicts have similar cross-addictions to behaviours. The worst thing is that when I clean up from drugs, those other compulsions are all too ready to step in to fill the gap! I have considered also joining another 12-step program more specifically dealing with sex issues; I had not realized there were so many - thank you Simcha!
Tony P
poster:Tony P
thread:261149
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20030903/msgs/261172.html