Excellent article! I just hope that it will make people open their eyes and prevent them from believing in all the lies and myths created around the "addiction" problems which have been spread like a plague by so-called "addiction experts" recently. All the information included in your article is really valuable and it should be compulsory reading for everyone who might be affected by the panic related to the "modern" conception of "addictions" and to the "everything is addictive and potentially poisonous" theories. Thank you for your brilliant post.
Every problem looks like a nail...
The finances that lie behind the concept of sex addiction are a significant concern. Treatment for sex addiction is not cheap. A month's treatment at some residential sex addiction treatment programs can cost over $37,000. Sex addiction is big business. All the celebrity attention to sex addiction has driven many more people into the offices of sex addiction therapists nationwide. Alexandra Katehakis, a sex addiction therapist with a practice in California, says that "celebrities have been the greatest evangelists for treatment. My practice wouldn't exist without them."
And it's not just therapeutic business now. Sex addiction treatment is business in the entertainment industry as well. The Logo Channel has a reality show called Sex Rx, focusing on the therapy needs of a group of LGBT clients treated by Christopher Donaghue, a self-proclaimed specialist in sex addiction treatment. The VH1 channel previously had Sex Rehab, with celebrity physician Dr. Drew, which delved into the sexual issues of celebrities and focused on sexual addiction. According to the Sex Rehab show's website, 6 percent of the American population is afflicted with sex addiction, though no reference is given to shed light on this number. Further, according to the show's description, "nobody is immune to" sex addiction. In an amusing irony, the sponsored advertisement links on the show's website are all for methods to either delay the male orgasm or treat erectile dysfunction. It sends an odd message-"Sex is dangerous and scary, you need to watch out and control it! And by the way, if you can't have sex, here's a link to buy a pill that will fix you up so you can have sex, which is dangerous and scary by the way!"
The New Life Ministries of Laguna Beach, California, runs a three-day seminar for men who say their sexual addiction is threatening their lives and marriages. Paying $1,400 for the seminar (not including hotel room), the men who attend what the church calls their "Every Man's Battle" workshops are there to wage a battle against shame and fear, and the problem of pornography. The Every Man's Battle website sells kits, books, compact discs, DVDs, and self-study resources, for men, adolescents, families, wives, and men of all ages. There is even a kit for soldiers, shipped in a camouflage box, and apparently designed to help men resist sexual urges while deployed in the military. In 2009, according to tax forms posted on the Guidestar website, this organization made nearly $4 million just from selling their educational materials, and almost $2.5 million from the seminars and workshops they conduct. In 2009, they reported nearly $8.5 million in gross revenues according the tax return documents they filed with the IRS, and since 2003, they have averaged around $8 or $9 million a year in revenue. Stephen Arterburn, the Christian counselor who heads the organization and is the central figure in most of the educational materials, was paid $180,000 a year in salary alone, by the organization, a figure that almost certainly doesn't include his speaking fees and royalties.

You may be a sex addict if you see something funny in this cactus.
The staff there are dedicated and seem to be good people, genuinely interested in helping people make changes in their lives. But this facility generates close to $2 million a month for the for-profit investment firm that owns the facility. Some sexual addicts choose to stay in their facility long term for treatment, sometimes as long as six months. And all of this is paid for by cash-this program doesn't bill insurance for their treatment.
The Meadows Rehab, where actor David Duchovny has reportedly gone for sexual addiction treatment, is the "ground zero" for the movement to treat sex addiction. The Meadows' senior fellows are Pia Mellody, author of Facing Love Addiction and Breaking Free; Claudia Black, author of It Will Never Happen to Me and Changing Course; and Patrick Carnes, author of Out of the Shadows and The Betrayal Bond. These authors have all written best-selling books on addiction, sex addiction, and codependency. As one critic argues in reference to these senior Meadows fellows, "Sex addiction was invented by a self-help group aided by popular books. It is trying now to move over into a medical condition."
The concept of sexual addiction is driven by economic factors. The professionals who feed the media's need for psychological and biological explanations of sexual behaviors are the same professionals who make very good livings providing treatment services to individuals who self-identify with sexual addiction after hearing these doctors and therapists on television. The proselytizing of sex addictionologists is a form of disease mongering, where they are using the media, hype, and fear to create a disorder where none truly exists.
nailed it?
thanks - glad to hear I "hit the nail on the head..."
Your entire article is a
Your entire article is a logical falacy of Argumentum Ad Hominem because you say that sex addiction does not exits because people who acknowledge it are wrongly motivated.
Here are links to articles that discuss scientific evidence for the existence of both Porn and Sex addiction.
http://yourbrainonporn.com/porn-pseudoscience-and-%CE%B4fosb
http://yourbrainonporn.com/the-end-of-the-porn-debate
http://yourbrainonporn.com/dsm-5-attempts-to-sweep-porn-addiction-under-rug
http://yourbrainonporn.com/porn-addiction-not-sex-addiction-and-why-it-matters
http://www.highexistence.com/supernatural-stimuli-comic
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/cupids-poisoned-arrow/201106/ominous-news-internet-addiction-atrophies-brains
A series of links from someone who has no training in research
Anyone can post links. What you seem extremely limited in is the ability to understand the scientific method and the basics of quantitative research. BTW, I have had 5 years of graduate level training in research methodology.
Bessel van der Quack
van der Quack is also a proponent of the sex addiction myth and is a consultant to the Meadows. So is fellow quack, Peter Levine. Both of thse frauds were mentors to the late fake John Bradshaw. Where's my teddyh bear? van der Quack was fired from Harvard over his "repressed memory" quackery and rom JRI for bullying his female staff- great trauma therapist, right. He is incapable of the most basic research design and thought he was proving Mary Ainsworth "strange situation" experiment by taking blood samples from toddlers to measure cortisol levels (great controlling for variables. Has he ever seen how a child reacts to the sight of a needle?). He claims women are sex addicts if they are trauma exposed because they have an increase in testesterone- nevermind those spikes have varied effects of both groups of men and women (ANOVAs are not his strong points either). Google search John Bradshaw on van der Kolk since this platform doesn't allow me to post urls.
Lies and myth? What would you
Lies and myth? What would you say to people who are actually addicted to Porn/Sex and other behavioral addictions? Its like saying to alcohol addict that alcoholism does not exist, even though he can not stop drinking uncontrollably and knows from direct experience that it does exist.
Reply to you query
I would refer someone who presented with hypersexual behavior to a physician who could find out what this symptom really means. We know there are several medical and psychiatric disorders and medication that have hypersexual behavior as a symptom.
etiology, diagnosis & management of Hypersexuality: a review
B Chughtai, D Sciullo, S Khan, H Rehman, E Mohan, J Rehman
Citation
B Chughtai, D Sciullo, S Khan, H Rehman, E Mohan, J Rehman. etiology, diagnosis & management of Hypersexuality: a review. The Internet Journal of Urology. 2009 Volume 6 Number 2.
Abstract
Objective: This manuscript reviews the etiology, presentation and treatment options of hypersexuality.
Methods: A MEDLINE search was conducted for English-language articles published over the past 35 years and was supplemented by a search of bibliographies of relevant articles [Compulsive Sexual Behavior, Sexual Addiction, altered sexual preference or Hypersexuality (hetero-, homo-, autosexual)]. Results: Hypersexuality is a change in types and increase in frequency of sexual behaviors. The etiology of hypersexuality is complex and involves a variety of physiological and psychological mechanisms. Frontal lobe dysfunction can lead to disinhibition of sexual behavior and hypersexual behavior. Temporal lobe abnormalities, which have been associated with hypersexuality, also seem to be involved in development of various fetishes, paraphilias, and pedophilia. This sexual behavior may also be the result of other neurologic disorders or a side effect of medications Conclusions: Hypersexuality can be idiopathic or the end result of many underlying disease processes. When the underlying cause may be treated, sexually disinhibited behavior is discontinued. Hypersexuality can cause behaviors in patients that are difficult to manage. But pharmacologic methods can successfully control hypersexual behaviors and paraphilias in most patient population.
Introduction
There is no clear definition of hypersexuality; it is characterized by a change in types and increase in frequency of sexual behaviors. For the purpose of this article, hypersexuality is an increased need, even pressure, for sexual gratification. It may be aimed at oneself or at other people. It may include compulsive masturbation in both public and private places but usually involves an insatiable desire for sexual contact with others. It typically involves inappropriate behavior in relation to others, such as a pattern of lewd or suggestive language, fondling, flirtation, disrobing oneself or others, and overt sexual acts. It may start insidiously and escalate to a chronic problem. It usually includes decreased inhibitions. It is estimated that about 8% of men and 3% of women in the US are sexually addicted.[1]
Methods
Clinical Presentation
There are also a number of specific behaviors which are common to those who struggle with this condition. These behaviors include: compulsive masturbation, compulsive sex with prostitutes, anonymous sex with multiple partners, multiple affairs outside a committed relationship, frequent patronizing of sexually-oriented establishments, habitual exhibitionism, habitual voyeurism, inappropriate sexual touching, sexual abuse of children, and rape. In addition to these, fantasy sex, prostitution, pedophilia, masochism, fetishes, and sex with animals may also be associated behaviors. It is a combination of these behaviors along with the compulsivity that comprises hypersexuality.
Etiology Of Hypersexuality
As is the case with many other psychiatric disorders, the etiology of hypersexuality is complex and involves a variety of physiological and psychological mechanisms. Frontal lobe dysfunction can lead to disinhibition of sexual behavior and hypersexual behavior. Temporal lobe abnormalities, which have been associated with hypersexuality, also seem to be involved in development of various fetishes, paraphilias, and pedophilia. Some have theorized that hypersexuality is a result of drive dysregulation in association with a mood disorder—similar to eating disorders.* Others have suggested that anxiety plays an important role and that hypersexuality may be best conceptualized as a variant of obsessive-compulsive disorder in which anxiety triggers the hypersexuality to temporarily relieve symptoms; this is followed by further distress and a self-perpetuating cycle of anxiety and obsessive and compulsive behavior is fueled.* Others have suggested that hypersexuality is best conceptualized as an impulse control disorder such as compulsive gambling, kleptomania, and pyromania.*
Head traumas, brain surgeries, and medications have been associated with hypersexuality. Onset of hypersexuality has been associated with frontal lobe lesions, frontal and temporal lesions, temporal lobe epilepsy, dementia, Klüver-Bucy syndrome, multiple lesions in multiple sclerosis, and treatment of Parkinson’s disease with dopaminergic agents.
Klüver Bucy Syndrome
The Klüver Bucy syndrome (KBS) is defined by psychic blindness, tendency to orally examine available objects, emotional unresponsiveness, an increase in sexual activity, hypermetamorphosis and difficulties with memory. Most cases of KBS have been associated with a trauma or progressive neuropathological syndrome.*
Etiology
The behavioral syndromes of KBS observed include aphasia, amnesia, dementia, and seizures. KBS has also been associated with a variety of neurological disorders. These include herpes encephalitis, Pick's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cerebral trauma, cerebrovascular accidents, and temporal lobe epilepsy. Other etiologies include Huntington chorea, hypoxia, hypoglycemia, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and some neuroleptic medication. The most common feature of all etiologies is bilateral mesial temporal lobe destruction or dysfunction. There have been documented cases of KBS resulting from such incidents as heat stroke and encephalopathic illness.*
The symptoms of the Klüver-Bucy Syndrome vary with each individual. In individuals with this syndrome, emotional states may often vary. Some individuals may display blunted affect, apathy, and even pet-like compliance. Others may become demanding and enraged, and at times depressed. Most individuals have visual agnosia which is characterized by the inability to distinguish among friends, relatives and strangers. Auditory agnosia has also been discovered in some cases and occasionally tactile agnosia may be present. Hypermetamorphosis is regarded as consistent exploration of the environment and with subsequent placement of objects into the mouth. Another of the symptoms of KBS is that of altered sexual behavior. Some cases of sexual behavior such as copulation and masturbation has been documented.[2] However, these cases are infrequent and most cases involve sexual overtures, comments, and attempted physical contact. Some cases consist of aphasia, amnesia, and even dementia in the individuals. A combination of at least 3 or more of the symptoms is typically suggestive of the Klüver-Bucy Syndrome. Carbamazepine treatment has been discovered as a useful agent for eliminating some of the symptoms of the syndrome.[3] Carbamazepine is an effective anticonvulsant in temporal and limbic seizure foci. It is considered as a potent inhibitor of amygdaloid firing.[4]
Klein Levine Syndrome
Kleine-Levin syndrome is a rare sleep disorder, involving intermittent episodes of increasing drowsiness with a strong association with lack of sexual inhibition. People affected by this syndrome can spend 10 to 20 hours asleep (hypersomnia) in bed.[5] Episodes may last days to weeks and occur several times per year. The start and end of each attack is usually inconsistent and may be either rapid or gradual.
Etiology
This syndrome occurs mostly in young males and usually diminishes or disappears after the age of 40.[6] The start of this syndrome is usually spontaneous. The exact cause of Kleine-Levin Syndrome is not yet known.[5] It is thought that symptoms of Kleine-Levin Syndrome may be related to malfunction of the portions of the brain (hypothalamus) that help to regulate functions such as sleep, appetite, and body temperature.[5] It appears to be self limiting with cessation of episodes by early adult life.
Kleine-Levin syndrome is strongly associated with compulsive overeating, lack of sexual inhibition and personality change. Sexual responses include inappropriate sexual advances and overt masturbation, especially in males. Compulsive overeating with rapid weight gain may occur. Personality changes may include irritability, depersonalization, depression, confusion, occasional hallucinations and impulsive behavior.[7] On recovery, total or partial loss of memory (amnesia) for what has happened is usual, although disgust at overeating is common. There may be a short period of depression, or sometimes euphoria and sleeplessness. Between episodes, physical and mental health is usually normal. There appears to be no relationship between Kleine-Levin syndrome and other neurological disorders, such as epilepsy.[8] Amphetamines, which stimulate the central nervous system, have been used to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.[9]
Dementia
Hypersexuality as a result of Alzheimer’s disease, Pick’s disease, or AIDS dementia may be neurological in origin that affects the part of the brain that controls inhibition of impulses and feelings of satiation.[10] The person with dementia may derive little satisfaction from the sexual act and be driven by a compulsive need to initiate sex again and again. Alternatively, the person may simply forget that sex had taken place and initiate a sexual advance soon after having had intercourse. Any cause of dementia that leads to damage to the temporal lobes, or other areas of the brain associated with pleasure, may lead to signs and symptoms of overt hypersexuality.[10, 11]
Mania
Mania, which plays a role in bipolar disease, mania/hypomania, and cyclothymia, is a mood disorder in which feelings; thoughts, behaviors, and perceptions are altered. The hallmark symptoms of mania include an abnormal, often expansive and elevated mood lasting for at least 1 week. Mania also may include a decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts or a sense that thoughts are “out of control,” rapid and often pressured speech, increased goal-directed activities or projects, hypersexuality, reckless behaviors and risk taking, and “delusions of grandeur.[12] Mania results from neurochemical imbalances within the brain.
One proposal suggests that several neurotransmitters acting in unison but with dynamic balance act as modulators of mood states. In particular, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine appear to modify mood, cognition, and sense of pleasure or displeasure leading to sexually disinhibited behavior.
Parkinson’s disease
Hypersexuality associated with Medical Management
Parkinson disease (PD), which affects the dopamine regulation in the basal ganglia, may be accompanied by a variety of psychiatric symptoms. It is important to distinguish these from psychiatric syndromes that are associated with the treatment of PD. Parkinsonian patients may experience hypersexuality as a consequence of anti-parkinsonian therapy.[13] There was no relation between functional improvement and increased sexuality. Most patients showed some element of dose dependency between antiparkinsonian drugs and the hypersexual behavior.[14] In addition cases have been reported that patients developed penile mutilation in response to levodopa-carbidopa treatment of Parkinsonism. Approximately half of Parkinson's patients respond to levodopa with an activation of sexual behavior.[14] Neither the prior history of psychiatric illness nor brain damage predisposed to such response on treatment, and in most patients, it was not a part of hypomania or a more diffuse psychiatric disturbance. It is proposed that hypersexuality on antiparkinsonian drugs is consequent to inhibition of prolactin secretion, which leaves dopamine unopposed.[15]
Hypersexuality associated with Surgical Management
Surgical management of Parkinsonian patients may lead to symptoms of hypersexuality due to dopamine regulation dysfunction.[16] Case reports of patients with right pallidotomy developed a psychiatric syndrome, including prominent hypersexuality, after surgical implantation of a deep brain stimulator electrode in the left globus pallidus. This demonstrates that patients may be at risk for the development of psychiatric sequelae after pallidal surgery.
Among Parkinson's disease patients who received high frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus, 16% developed remarkable disorders of mood or sexual behavior after the implant.[17]
Traumatic Brain Injury
Head injury comprises traumatic damage to the skull and its contents, from penetration or acceleration/deceleration forces. Clinically, it implies evidence of raised intracranial pressure, loss of consciousness, post-traumatic amnesia, neurological signs of impaired brain function, and/or skull fracture.
Sexually-inappropriate behavior (purposeful use of lewd language, frotteurism, exhibitionism, sadism and rape) occurring for the first time following the head-injury, was consistently associated with evidence of frontal lobe damage. In other patients with frontal lobe syndrome (constricted emotional expression, reduced inhibition, impaired foresight, personality change, usually intellectual impairment), there was total loss of libido as part of global amotivation.[18]
Hypersexual behavior is much less common than hyposexuality following brain injury.[18] There is a correlation with the development of hypersexual states with the site of a brain lesion in patients with nontraumatic brain injury. Patients with basal frontal lesions or injury to the thalamic and periventricular regions of the right hemisphere are accompanied by a sexual preoccupation in the context of a manic syndrome.[19]
Damage to the temporal lobe causes interictal hyposexuality punctuated by hypersexual arousal after seizures. Similar hypersexuality has been documented following temporal lobectomy for epilepsy. Klüver-Bucy Syndrome, has been described after a gunshot wound to the temporal lobe. Temporal lobe structures also appear to mediate sexual preference. The Klüver-Bucy Syndrome in humans, both atraumatic and following head injury, is usually associated with aphasia, amnesia, dementia and sometimes seizures. It has involved changes in sexual preference more commonly than hypersexuality. For example, a case of safety-pin fetish was reported to be associated with temporal lobe epilepsy. Both the fetish and the epileptic seizures disappeared when the epileptic focus was successfully removed surgically.
Male patients with lesions in or near the limbic system seem to develop pedophilia and uncharacteristic voyeurism, and in heterosexual woman develop homosexual orientation.[20] Limbic encephalitis, characteristic of rabies, is associated with acute sexual disinhibition; a similar picture was seen chronically in a young woman who suffered young childhood encephalitis.[21]
Kennedy-Alter-Sung Syndrome
Kennedy-Alter-Sung Syndrome (KAS) is an x-linked recessive disease, which is characterized by an unstable nucleotide repeat expansion. The disease causes progressive neuromuscular degeneration of lower motor neurons resulting in proximal muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, and fasciculations. KAS occurs only in males. Patients often show gynecomastia, testicular atrophy, and reduced fertility due to androgen insensitivity. There have been case reports of the disease presenting with hypersexuality demonstrating the clinical varieties of KAS.[22]
Multiple Sclerosis
Changes in sexual function are commonly associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and occur in many forms. Hypersexual thoughts or behavior are rare, but can present on the background of persistent cognitive impairment or psychiatric conditions such as mania, whereas isolated hypersexuality is still rarer. The clinical, neuropsychological, electrodiagnostic, neuroimaging and endocrine findings in an MS patient with episodes of greatly increased libido are described. Imaging and neuropsychological studies indicated frontal lobe dysfunction; hormone studies showed no significant changes. Episodic hypersexuality can be a recurrent transient manifestation of MS. [23]
Management
Hypersexuality is the end result of many underlying disease processes, each of which requires slightly different therapy. When the underlying cause may be treated, as is the case with mania, sexually disinhibited behavior discontinues. Patients with dementia may become sexually disinhibited as cognitive deficits progress. This behavior may also be the result of other neurologic disorders or a side effect of medications used to treat Parkinson's disease. Both hypersexuality and paraphilias can cause behaviors in patients that are difficult to manage. In the event that nonpharmacologic treatments are unsuccessful, many pharmacologic agents may be used to treat hypersexuality. [24]
Several medications have been studied in the pharmacologic treatment of sexually disinhibited behavior. These medications include antiandrogens, estrogens, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs and serotonergic agents. Antiandrogens are thought to reduce testosterone levels, which then impairs sexual functioning and eliminates hypersexual behavior. Medroxyprogesterone acetate and cyproterone acetate are the most commonly used antiandrogenic agents.[25] Both of these medications can cause fatigue, weight gain and depression. In one study, patients were given medroxyprogesterone acetate in a dosage of 300 mg per week intramuscularly for one year. Undesirable behaviors were eliminated within two weeks of initiation of treatment, and at one-year follow-up, the effect continued in 75 percent of patients who received the treatment.[25] Another study used medroxyprogesterone acetate in a dosage of 100 mg intramuscularly every other week and increased the dosage to 150 mg intramuscularly every other week, at which point all inappropriate behaviors were suppressed.[26]
Estrogen has not been used often in the treatment of hypersexual behaviors. One study reported a significant reduction in these behaviors in men who received estrogen either orally or in transdermal patches.[27] In another study, a 94-year-old man with dementia was treated with diethylstilbestrol (starting with a dosage of 1 mg per day); within the first week, his inappropriate sexual behaviors were successfully controlled.[21]
GnRH analogs stimulate the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, thereby increasing estrogen and androgen concentration and decreasing testosterone production. To maintain effectiveness, these medications must be used continuously and may cause hot flashes, decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. Leuprolide acetate has been reported to be successful in treating patients with hypersexual behavior or paraphilias.
Because hypersexual behaviors are thought by some to be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been proposed as effective treatment agents. Others think that the antilibidinal effects of SSRIs explain their effectiveness. Reports demonstrate patients successfully treated with 20 mg per day of paroxetine. Other patients have had good results from treatment with clomipramine, which is a tricyclic antidepressant with some SSRI properties, titrated to a dosage of 150 to 175 mg per day. SSRIs have adverse effects that include nausea and vomiting, headache, fatigue and insomnia. Clomipramine is associated with both anticholinergic effects and orthostatic hypotension, and should therefore be used with caution in elderly patients.
Conclusion
Hypersexuality can be multifactorial and while controlled trials have not been done, various pharmacologic methods have been reported to successfully control hypersexual behaviors and paraphilias in most patient population.
References
1. Barth, R.J. and B.N. Kinder, The mislabeling of sexual impulsivity. J Sex Marital Ther, 1987. 13(1): p. 15-23.
2. Hayman, L.A., et al., Kluver-Bucy syndrome after bilateral selective damage of amygdala and its cortical connections. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci, 1998. 10(3): p. 354-8.
3. Goscinski, I., et al., The Kluver-Bucy syndrome. Acta Neurochir (Wien), 1997. 139(4): p. 303-6.
4. Varon, D., et al., Transient Kluver-Bucy syndrome following complex partial status epilepticus. Epilepsy Behav, 2003. 4(3): p. 348-51.
5. Kesler, A., et al., Kleine Levin syndrome (KLS) in young females. Sleep, 2000. 23(4): p. 563-7.
6. Wurthmann, C. and E. Klieser, [Kleine-Levin syndrome]. Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr, 1991. 59(5): p. 190-4.
7. Da Silveira Neto, O. and O.A. Da Silveira, [Kleine-Levin syndrome. Report of a case]. Arq Neuropsiquiatr, 1991. 49(3): p. 330-2.
8. Hansen, D. and L. Lonborg-Moller, [Kleine-Levin syndrome]. Ugeskr Laeger, 1992. 154(43): p. 2975-8.
9. Masi, G., L. Favilla, and S. Millepiedi, The Kleine-Levin syndrome as a neuropsychiatric disorder: a case report. Psychiatry, 2000. 63(1): p. 93-100.
10. Robinson, K.M., Understanding hypersexuality: a behavioral disorder of dementia. Home Healthc Nurse, 2003. 21(1): p. 43-7.
11. Tang-Wai, D., et al., Familial frontotemporal dementia associated with a novel presenilin-1 mutation. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord, 2002. 14(1): p. 13-21.
12. Geller, B., et al., DSM-IV mania symptoms in a prepubertal and early adolescent bipolar disorder phenotype compared to attention-deficit hyperactive and normal controls. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol, 2002. 12(1): p. 11-25.
13. Trosch, R.M., et al., Clozapine use in Parkinson's disease: a retrospective analysis of a large multicentered clinical experience. Mov Disord, 1998. 13(3): p. 377-82.
14. Berger, C., et al., [Sexual delinquency and Parkinson's disease]. Nervenarzt, 2003. 74(4): p. 370-5.
15. van Deelen, R.A., et al., [Hypersexuality during use of levodopa]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd, 2002. 146(44): p. 2095-8.
16. Roane, D.M., et al., Hypersexuality after pallidal surgery in Parkinson disease. Neuropsychiatry Neuropsychol Behav Neurol, 2002. 15(4): p. 247-51.
17. Romito, L.M., et al., Transient mania with hypersexuality after surgery for high frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord, 2002. 17(6): p. 1371-4.
18. Braun, C.M., et al., Opposed left and right brain hemisphere contributions to sexual drive: a multiple lesion case analysis. Behav Neurol, 2003. 14(1-2): p. 55-61.
19. Miller, B.L., et al., Hypersexuality or altered sexual preference following brain injury. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry, 1986. 49(8): p. 867-73.
20. Absher, J.R., et al., Hypersexuality and hemiballism due to subthalamic infarction. Neuropsychiatry Neuropsychol Behav Neurol, 2000. 13(3): p. 220-9.
21. Zencius, A., et al., Managing hypersexual disorders in brain-injured clients. Brain Inj, 1990. 4(2): p. 175-81.
22. Hokezu, Y., et al., [A case of Kennedy-Alter-Sung (KAS) syndrome presenting as hypersexuality and elevated serum CK: usefulness of genetic analysis]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku, 1996. 36(3): p. 471-4.
23. Gondim Fde, A. and F.P. Thomas, Episodic hyperlibidinism in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler, 2001. 7(1): p. 67-70.
24. Levitsky, A.M. and N.J. Owens, Pharmacologic treatment of hypersexuality and paraphilias in nursing home residents. J Am Geriatr Soc, 1999. 47(2): p. 231-4.
25. Volpe, F.M. and A. Tavares, Cyproterone for hypersexuality in a psychotic patient with Wilson's disease. Aust N Z J Psychiatry, 2000. 34(5): p. 878-9.
26. Britton, K.R., Medroxyprogesterone in the treatment of aggressive hypersexual behavior in traumatic brain injury. Brain Inj, 1998. 12(8): p. 703-7.
27. Namer, M., Clinical applications of antiandrogens. J Steroid Biochem, 1988. 31(4B): p. 719-29.
As the ex-spouse of a "sex
As the ex-spouse of a "sex addict" I know when I found out I really, really wanted to believe that it was an addiction he had, partly because I thought it would help make it all just a little bit easier to accept (i.e. he has a problem that he can't control, that isn't within his control). However, in the end, he had been right all along about his reasons for doing it: he did it, and did it as often as he could, simply because he could. Learning to accept that you've married someone who could be so intentionally careless with your marriage, with your health, with his health, has taken a long time to move through and to move past. But I understand completely wanting to believe it's an "addiction" over the even more painful truth that it's not.
wow
What an insightful, honest and thoughtful comment. I appreciate your words, and intend to quote them - you say very well what the seductive draw of this pseudo-diagnosis is. Thanks again. I hope that we can foster a discussion of healthy sexual values for men, where they take responsibility for their needs and choices, and do not pass the blame for their choices onto a mythical illness.
Broken Hearted
As someone who has worked extensively with women who have been subjected to intimate partner violence, I agree with you that medicalizing certain issues can actually have the abuse survivor forgive the behavior. I'm sure that some of these women's batterers do have psychiatric and substance use disorders. Why most IPV experts avoid diagnosing the batterer is the very reason you give, it can relieve the batterer of person responsibility for their behavior. Most people with psychiatric or substance use problems do not beat up their spouses.
RE: Disease Mongering
"The proselytizing of sex addictionologists is a form of disease mongering, where they are using the media, hype, and fear to create a disorder where none truly exists."
I agree! I'll one-up ya:
If the "self-righteous-scared-of-sex-people" (did their part) and put their libido into the expression of their nether genital regions (as opposed to their gossiping and complaining regions) then there would be more "balance" in The Force aka "collective unconscious."
Pure straw man
Just because the medical profession reaps huge profits for a condition has no bearing on the existence of said condition.
Huge amounts of money are spent on cancer treatments, chronic back pain, heart disease, and of course, drug and alcohol addictions.
What would motivate someone to be treated for sex or porn addiction if they did not experience their behavior and symptoms as an addiction?
I do hope your new book tackles the neuroscience of addiction.
nothing but straw
sex addiction is made of straw - a straw man is about all I can build out of it.
Cancer Isn't Real?
Not only are doctors, hospitals and drug companies profiting from cancer treatment, so are alternative medicine practitioners, book and magazine publishers, and numerous corporations that will slap a pink ribbon on anything in the name of good PR. Cancer is big business, yet it exists. The fact that some people are profiting from sex addiction proves nothing.
And, as Anonymous said, if the people getting treatment are mentally healthy, happy and stable people who have no real problems in their lives, why are they spending thousands on treatment? Certainly they need help with something.
I'm the wife of a sex addict, who attends 12-Step meetings (which are entirely free). Addiction was the only thing that made sense of his behavior, for him or for me. When he started going to meetings eight years ago, our marriage was falling apart and he was ready to kill himself. Those meetings saved his life and our marriage.
I can read your whole book and see all the statistics in the world about the cash that flows into some treatments. I'm certainly willing to concede that there are quacks out there. And there are people whose sexual problems have nothing to do with addiction.
But I've also met and heard the stories of more recovering sex addicts than I can count over the years, and I've also met alcoholics and drug addicts (often they are one and the same). I've seen the same patterns repeated over and over, whether the drug is alcohol or sex. I've seen addicts and their partners come to 12-Step with their lives in ruin, so deeply in despair and so desperate for help that you wonder how they're going to survive to the next meeting. And I've watched them successfully change their lives. And that's not just real, it's beautiful.
People CAN change
I agree - people can change, even those who act irresponsibly with sexuality. But the sex addiction concept suggest that people, especially men, are powerless to control their sexual behaviors - I think this is a gross misstatement, and a dangerous one. But, I too have seen people take responsibility for their choices, and assume control of their lives and relationships - I agree, that is a beautiful thing - it is why I keep doing what I do.
Dr. ley
If sex or porn addiction does not exist, please explain why those addicted to porn have the exact same signs and symptoms of a drug addict.
1) The inability to control use, 2) tolerance - the need for greater stimulation, 3) inability to stop despite negative social, physical, and psychological consequences, 4) withdrwal symptoms and cravings hwne person attempts to stop.
Be specific in comparing and contrasting the neurobiology of a compulsion vs the neurobiology of an addiction. Since your book is all about the myth of "sex" addiction, I would like to understand these differences.
You do know that individuals with other behavoral addictions such as gambling, overeating, and video gaming, show the same brain changes as drug addict? Knowing this, what evolved mechanism would, besides an addiction process, would account for the exact same signs, symptoms and constellation of behaviors as found in other addictions?
Some tiny percentage
Some tiny percentage of "sex addicts" can't control their behaviors, even when self-destructives. They tend to be pathological OCDs, etc. Most "sex addicts" can and do stop, especially when they find their way to a truly satisfying sexual relationship with a partner.
How many really can't stop? Maybe one tenth of one percent of the population can't stop with the sex stuff. Nothing like the "three to five percent of the population is sex addicted" you'll hear from Robert Weiss, Pat Carnes, etc.
Where do you get your stats?
Just pulling them out of thin air I presume.
Maybe sex addiction is rare, but with nearly every young guy today using porn, you can be assured that porn(sex?)addcition is not one tenth of one percent.
So it is the Partner's
So it is the Partner's problem....you make me laugh.
Failed Addctions Treatment
Traditional treatment (12-step models) have an estimated 5 to 10 % success rate. Many times additions are symptoms of other physical and/or mental illnesses. I suppose with your limited training, you would prescribe everyone who can to you for help with headaches NSAIDS without diagnosing the multiple etiologies of head pain.
AASECT Rejects Sex Addiction as a DX
AASECT Position on Sex Addiction
Founded in 1967, the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) is devoted to the promotion of sexual health by the development and advancement of the fields of sexuality education, counseling and therapy. With this mission, AASECT accepts the responsibility of training, certifying and advancing high standards in the practice of sexuality education services, counseling and therapy. When contentious topics and cultural conflicts impede sexuality education and health care, AASECT may publish position statements to clarify standards to protect consumer sexual health and sexual rights.
AASECT recognizes that people may experience significant physical, psychological, spiritual and sexual health consequences related to their sexual urges, thoughts or behaviors. AASECT recommends that its members utilize models that do not unduly pathologize consensual sexual behaviors. AASECT 1) does not find sufficient empirical evidence to support the classification of sex addiction or porn addiction as a mental health disorder, and 2) does not find the sexual addiction training and treatment methods and educational pedagogies to be adequately informed by accurate human sexuality knowledge. Therefore, it is the position of AASECT that linking problems related to sexual urges, thoughts or behaviors to a porn/sexual addiction process cannot be advanced by AASECT as a standard of practice for sexuality education delivery, counseling or therapy.
AASECT advocates for a collaborative movement to establish standards of care supported by science, public health consensus and the rigorous protection of sexual rights for consumers seeking treatment for problems related to consensual sexual urges, thoughts or behaviors.
It is real
not long time ago, alcoholism was linked to the character and personality, fortunately, now we know more and we can help them stay in recovery. Same approach is being seen with a sex addiction- ways are different( no alcohol no food no drug) but the fixation and behavior/ consequences are the same. It is sad that people judge others based on their believe, without taking into account the research behind it( still not enough) and patterns...
Just because someone doesn't believe that being a gay is not a choice, doesn't mean it's true...
The sad part is, that in the desperate attempt to restore their lives, sex addicts and their families are being punched from both sides 1. People who charge them so much for the offered help 2. Insurances, doctors who are denying existence of the problem.
It is so sad.... I hope in the next 20 years everything will change- same as with food addictions( anorexia, bulimia) and any other
"Sex Addiction"
Are you a scientist or a mental health professional? BTW, the recovery rate using the 12-steps model is about 5-10 percent. Great job you assholes are doing with your Minnesota Model.
Mockery is not a scientific method!
It seems that it is rather convenient to believe that it's the society that is wrong in its judgement, and the behavior itself... doesn't really exist. So... the problem is with the prudent society, of course, after all, "boys will be boys," what's wrong with that? We can justify and sanction probably anything; it all depends on the perspective, beliefs, and intention of the observer. Is that a good enough reason to declare that it's true?
Dr. Ley, you try to convince us to your truth by using mockery; that's not exactly a scientific method, yet you attempt to present your personal opinion as scientific truth. I noticed your last book on Amazon; the most favorable reviews were written by people who expressed their enthusiasm because apparently... you provided your readers with some "interesting," sizzling internet addresses. Hmmm....
So... I wonder, what exactly do you try to justify? After all, we have currently more cases of rape, molestation, sexual abuse of children, infidelity, extramariatal affairs, human sex trafficking, than ever in our human history. 50% of marriages fall apart. Where's the logic? Excessive sexual behavior doesn't seem to be very helpful in keeping our families intact or our society healthy.
Oh, by the way, this topic seems to be a "lucrative" one for you too, isn't it, Dr. Ley? After all, you are building your whole career on these premises. Nice.
As I was saying
If the p-rudish had more sex there would be less complaining!
In fact
Rates of sexual violence, rape, child molestation, etc., have all dropped dramatically since the early 1990s. And, the rates of extramarital affairs are far lower than you think - fewer than 5-6% of couples report it in the last 12 months. There is NOT an epidemic of out of control sexuality - that is just what the media is feeding.
Please, check your facts!
REALLY!!!! Where did you get this information from?
Read this (posted by the Rape Crisis Center of Central New Mexico):
"About Sexual Violence:
National Statistics:
18% of females nationally experience rape or attempted rape at sometime in their lifetime.
3% of males nationally experience rape or attempted rape in their lifetime.
16% of rape survivors report the crime to law enforcement.
New Mexico Statistics:
1 in 4 females will experience rape or attempted rape in their lifetime.
1 in 20 males will experience rape or attempted rape in their lifetime."
Also:
"It is estimated that roughly 30 to 60% of all married individuals (in the United States) will engage in infidelity at some point during their marriage (see, Buss and Shackelford for review of this research). And these numbers are probably on the conservative side, when you consider that close to half of all marriages end in divorce."
Your issue is with violence not sex
Sex can be used to express violence much like an artist's paint brush. Sex can be used politely. Sex can be used strategically. Sex can be used in sooooo many different ways. Can you paint with all the colors of the wind? Your picture is limited to your projection. I don't like your picture either. Try mine! It does a body fine!
Another straw man - rates of violence
Rates of violence would be important if there were a correlation between Internet porn use and violence. There isn't, just as there's no correlation between shooting bad guys in video games and the rates of shooting bad guys in real life.
Just like trance-like vidoe gamers, porn users are sitting in fron of their computers addicted to 2D images and videos. When one is addicted, one keeps using...Internte porn that is.
These irrelevant stats are always troted out to "prove" that porn is harmless. What nonsense.
Sex Addiction
I am appalled by your ignorance, or are you a man that is acting out sexually and battling it by making false claims that will get people off your track? I always find those that scream the loudest have the most to hide. Big business? Really? I invite you into my office to share the absolute devastation that both the afflicted and his/her partner are facing. This is the problem of having the on-line universities handing out degrees… clowns like you give us real psychologists a bad name. As far as an attempt to profit, why not write a book that pours water on a hot topic? Ignorant and irresponsible- absolutely ignorant.
Sex Addiction
I just wonder what the author plans ontelling all these men and women who themselves have experienced sexual abuse and then proceeding to abuse either others or themselves compulsively. Oh its not aa addiction and you are just a horrible person who needs to just stop and make better choices! seriously i find this type of ignorance inexcusable, however we do have a free country so it will continue. I just hope he actually talks to the people who are afflicted with this addiction/compulsion to see how much it has cost them before he scoffs at their treatment.
Ad hominem much?
Wow - do you jump to conclusions like this with patients?
I am appalled by YOUR
I am appalled by YOUR ignorance, Mr. Barta. Yes, sick person, those that scream the loudest do have the most to hide... this you know. You might have an office that treats Sex Addicts but you yourself, dr.. have not looked into the deeper issues of your tortured soul and truly worked your 12 steps in a fearless and searching way. This post reeks of entitlement, which as you know is a large part of a sex addict's psyche. "Real" psychologists do not behave and Judge the way you do and for the record your miserable name is already connoted with BAD and "Losing" yet again...I invite anyone to search "Michael Barta Arrest" on Google.
Largest group of sex educators, counselors and therapist say no
AASECT Position on Sex Addiction
Founded in 1967, the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) is devoted to the promotion of sexual health by the development and advancement of the fields of sexuality education, counseling and therapy. With this mission, AASECT accepts the responsibility of training, certifying and advancing high standards in the practice of sexuality education services, counseling and therapy. When contentious topics and cultural conflicts impede sexuality education and health care, AASECT may publish position statements to clarify standards to protect consumer sexual health and sexual rights.
AASECT recognizes that people may experience significant physical, psychological, spiritual and sexual health consequences related to their sexual urges, thoughts or behaviors. AASECT recommends that its members utilize models that do not unduly pathologize consensual sexual behaviors. AASECT 1) does not find sufficient empirical evidence to support the classification of sex addiction or porn addiction as a mental health disorder, and 2) does not find the sexual addiction training and treatment methods and educational pedagogies to be adequately informed by accurate human sexuality knowledge. Therefore, it is the position of AASECT that linking problems related to sexual urges, thoughts or behaviors to a porn/sexual addiction process cannot be advanced by AASECT as a standard of practice for sexuality education delivery, counseling or therapy.
AASECT advocates for a collaborative movement to establish standards of care supported by science, public health consensus and the rigorous protection of sexual rights for consumers seeking treatment for problems related to consensual sexual urges, thoughts or behaviors.
Dr. Lay protests too much
The expression "Thou doth protest too much" springs to mind after reading this piece. Dr. Lay states flatly that there is no such thing as sexual addiction (sexual compulsivity/hypersexual behavior). Indeed, he is apparently writing an entire book in which he plans to to right the wrongs of 25 years of research studies and books that support the fact of sex addiction. It seems quite narcissistic of him, in my opinion.
What of the very real and valid claims of those countless men and women who have availed themselves to life-saving treatment? Are these people simply deluded, as Dr. Lay claims to believe? And yes, these services cost money, just as his treatment to help people to "health sexuality," and whatever else they do at his "large outpatient behavioral health agency" in Arizona.
It is unimaginable that Dr. Lay treated perpetrators of sexual abuse without gleaning any understanding of sexual addiction. These offenders; non-consensual voyeurs, exhibitionists, and consumers of child pornography so oftentimes have such an addictive quality to their behavioral patterns that it's hard to see he missed it.
As a fellow scientist and researcher, to hear Dr. Lay flat-out state that as to sexual addiction, there is "none" is unfathomable and simply incredible, and in my opinion, is unbecoming of the profession of psychology. However, I'm sure his statements will certainly fan the flames for the sales of his for-profit upcoming book debunking sexual addiction.
But in that he is so condemning of the sex addiction treatment providers for charging money for their expert services, maybe he could drive home his point by donating the proceeds of his book to the victims of sexual perpetrators, many of whom are sex addicts.
Sex offending is NOT an addiction
To suggest that is to minimize the pain and suffering of victims across the country. Perpetrators of sexual violence make choices, for which they must accept responsibility. It does no victim any good to tell them that it wasn't their perpetrator's fault - he was just sick...
Dr. Lay, on what do you base
Dr. Lay, on what do you base that opinion(that it does not good for a victim to be told that the perpetrator was sick)? The victims of drunk drivers can be informed that the driver was alcohol dependent (you do admit there is such a thing, don't you?), yet not let the person off the hook for his or her behavior. These things are not mutually exclusive, i.e., that a sex addict can cause pain and suffering in the lives of many, yet be forced to take responsibility for it. What good does it do the victim to deny the truth of the matter (that the addict hurt self or others and now needs to suffer the consequences, yet also needs specialized help?)
Pseudo-science
Exactly!!! The thing is, Dr. Ley is not only insisting that sex addiction doesn't exist, but what's even more insidious, he insinuates that there's nothing wrong with deviant acts or so called "alternative" lifestyles; they are just expressions of "healthy sexuality."
However, sexual addiction makes its mark even on the neural pathways of an addict. I would suggest reading the excellent book by Norman Doidge, M.D., "The Brain that Changes Itself," in which Chapter 4 is devoted to the subject of sex addiction. In the era of MRIs and fMRIs, we don't have to simply believe that the neuronal changes actually take place, we can actually SEE them! Just like we can see the changes in the neural network and brain functionality that follow the sustained recovery.
I also had both many intelligent people, young and old, sitting in my office, feeling defeated and empty, often disgusted with themselves, on the verge of failing schools, losing relationships or jobs; bundles of pain and extreme human misery. They were devastated and shocked by what was happening to them. And no, they were not necessarily perpetrators, yet, they were often victims of abuse and they were subjecting themselves to the tyranny of their own compulsions, spending as much as 8 hours in front of a computer watching porno, or masturbating for hours at length. They didn't have much time left to... live their lives...
I agree, that by making these sweeping statements and flatly denying even the existence of such clinical category as sex addiction, Dr. Ley not only shows his ignorance as a psychologist but also troubling denial of reality... or maybe this is a self-serving justification of his own compulsions? Well... I don't really want to go there.
As for Kelly, I wonder where this fierce defense of Dr. Ley is coming from... Well, you can always go and consult one of these websites cited by Dr. Ley in his book... That will make you feel better. Oh... PEACE.
Misplaced response!
Please notice, the note above was written as a comment to Dr. Mirich's note, not Dr. Ley's!
RE: As for me
I speak for ME! Dr. Ley speaks for HE! Get it right much strange bedfellow? Do you like giving blow jobs? I can feel your hot empty air clear over here! Heat exchange of an unpleasant kind. If I can redirect you to concentrate your efforts on the genital region we'd have more fun!
Why use the libido to make war p-rudish people?
You could use "The Force" and make love! "Make love not war."
"Make love not war is an anti-war slogan commonly associated with the American counterculture of the 1960s. It was used primarily by those who were opposed to the Vietnam War, but has been invoked in other anti-war contexts since!"
This guy is an expert??
Is it possible that you might piggy back on to this whole sex addiction / profit mongering thing and make a few bucks for yourself? Sell a little controversy and then move on? You're ignorance has hit a nerve pal. Enjoy the ruckus jack___!
"He is currently working on a second book, challenging the concept of sexual addiction and exploring a different model of male sexuality. He may be contacted at: nmpsychologist@yahoo.com."
by the way, "Granite counters", "gourmet chefs", and beautiful saguaro penises at the Meadows tells me that at best, you drove past the place. I don't recall any granite counters but I do recall enjoying the gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches on Thursdays as I would watch the sun cast penis shadows across the campus!
quiche treats
I ate some marvelous quiche treats there last summer, during a tour. Beautiful place, nice people.
Sexualizing the Cacti
Ludicrous argument that notes the sexualizing of cacti to make his point. Speaks to the total lack of credibility and professionalism.
Sex Sex Sex Sex Sex Sex Sex
Desensitized yet? Sometimes a cigar is a cigar. Sometimes it is a phallic object - just ask Bill! I don't think cacti can be used comfortably but the imagery can get the fire started! Where's a fireman when you want him!
American Society of Addiction Meidicine
ASAM just released a new definition of addiction in which they are now calling it a chronic brain disorder, not just a behavior problem. In their Public Policy Statement, they state that "Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry."
Does Dr. Lay also feel that those treating gambling are also perpetrating a sham? or eating disorders? I figure that he knows his market and plays to their interests and beliefs, as he is simply not credible and is significantly isolated in the scientific community and particularly among those who treat addictions.
Cacti, Penises, and the Cost of Treatment
Several questions and comments come to mind having read the blog. Let's get the least important but perhaps most relevant question out of the way first. The cacti around The Meadows look like penises? The tendency to notice that is inevitable? I swear I never looked at a saguaro and thought, "That's the biggest, most prickly penis I've ever seen." Put that assumption with the author's attack on legitimate business and I begin to wonder what else the author thinks is normal behavior. As my kid would say,
"Whazzup wit dat"?
Yep, there's a big ole cognitive error in the author's thinking when he assumes that everyone experiences the same imagery in response to specific stimuli that he does. There are several others in his blog as well. Please consider the following:
1) The author assumes that the treatment alternatives he mentions are too expensive.
Yes, some sex addition treatment is expensive. Yet some isn't. Many of us in the field see a range of clients from pro-bono to high dollar. I also know most of us tend to price our services in a manner consistent with what the local economy will bear. My rates are pretty consistent with what the more specialized mental health practitioners make in my area. Charge my rural TN rates in New York or LA and you'll starve to death. Charge New York or LA rates in my area and you will have lots of free time to
contemplate saguaros… no one will come to treatment.
A range of cost for product exists in most industries. This is appropriate for a capitalist system and consistent with the value system of every industrialized nation I know anything about. True, medicine is socialized in some settings, but in the US medicine and mental health are free to do business in a manner the market will support. The author's examples do not prove that treatment in general is too expensive. They prove that treatment
in some settings is higher-cost and probably not affordable to some. They do not prove that all treatment is higher-cost, that higher-cost alternatives should not exist, or that higher-cost alternatives are invalid and/or ineffective.
I should also add that the author ignores scholarship funding opportunities that some facilities provide and well as the public insurance and pro-bono clients many of us see in our practices. Again, the presence of higher-cost alternatives does not mean that all treatment is higher-cost. Nor does it mean that higher-cost is the same as too high.
2) The author assumes that high-cost treatment is the same as
"too-high-cost".
Lessee, what would make treatment too high in cost? I just read my profession's Code of Ethics. It does not say that I should not make good money for treating persons with sex addiction. It does say that I should make allowances to assure that some persons from underprivileged groups are able to obtain treatment. I do that. I know that many of us do. Nothing in the Social Work Code of Ethics says it's too-high-cost.
I just reviewed the Hippocratic Oath. It says physicians should do no harm. Many of us are not physicians but even using that standard it's difficult to see much harm in high-costs, particularly given the extraordinary cost of supporting many active addictions. The HO suggests practitioners should do no harm, not that the healing services we offer should not be compensated as are other healing services such as those
offered by physicians, hospitals, and medications.
I didn't review the cost of operating a high-quality treatment facility but I'm pretty sure I couldn't cover those out of petty cash. Quality costs money. Expertise costs money. This is true in medicine and mental health as well as in the addictions.
3) The most blatant cognitive error the author makes is his statement that the presence of higher-cost facilities is evidence of the attempt to turn a profit by manufacturing a disorder. Hunh? What evidence can he offer? There is none with which I am familiar. Rather, there is substantial evidence both from scientific inquiry and the anecdotal experience of our clients
that sex addition is real and that informed treatment works. The "money is manufacturing a disorder" argument is nothing more than a rather pungent red herring being dragged under the noses of uninformed readers. If they turn to sniff it they are likely to ignore the illogic of his arguments.
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the blog is the personal attack its author makes on some of the leaders in our work. It's very legitimate to have concerns or to express intellectual disagreement. I am, myself, a convert to the concept of sex addition, having criticized the diagnosis strongly several years ago. I did not, however, attack people I did not know, only the concept they supported. The personal nature of the blog leaves me wondering at the motivations of the blogger as well as the amount
of time he spends contemplating saguaros.
RE: A fabricated lie by a majority
Does not the truth make. It remains a fabricated lie by the majority. What you might call addiction I might call entertainment. One man's trash is another man's treasure!
A transparently self-serving & inaccurate red herring
I believe that when one comes at this (very serious) subject from a finger-pointing, tongue-in-cheek sort of way, as does David Ley, it does us all a tremendous disservice.
Sex addiction, sexual compulsivity, or whatever one chooses to call it, is quite real. It is a devastating addiction and, now fed as it is by the on-line porn industry and it's instant access through technology, is growing in our culture at an alarming rate, including among young people.
People who struggle with sex addiction try to stop and they try to cut back, and when they fail at these attempts – because in every sense of the word, it IS an addiction and without treatment, they do fail again and again – are flooded with shame and guilt, hopelessness and despair. It is a horrible and painful cycle to witness or experience.
If anyone has any doubt about the severity of sexual addiction/compulsivity, please know that aside from suffering terribly (often for years), and aside from losing their partners and families and jobs, and often their health, many people end up taking their own lives over their powerlessness to change their behavior and the resulting shame, fear and isolation.
I'm offended by David Ley's article and disappointed in Psychology Today for publishing it. Not only is it not based in research, but it is transparently and cheaply provocative. And most importantly, the author is so clearly not coming from the heart, nor even from a genuine interest in helping others. Instead David Ley seems to be coming from a transparently self-serving (and, ironically, monetary) motivation.
Were I his analyst and read this piece, I'd be thinking "reaction formation" (a defensive process in which anxiety-producing or unacceptable emotions and impulses (in this case sexual) are mastered by exaggeration of the directly opposing tendency or stance), and I'd be encouraging Dr. Ley to begin examining his own struggles in this area.
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