John P. Harris, LCSW
312-306-9503
johnpharris@comcast.net
Old Town Neighborhood, Chicago.
Sexual addicts have much in common with other types of addicts. In sexual addictions the individual has a relationship with a mood altering experience, rather than with alcohol, drugs or food.
This relationship, over time, becomes more important than family, friends or work.
A defining characteristic of any addiction is the power it holds over the individual and the inability to control the attendant urges.
Failure to act out these urges leads to a rise in distress and anxiety for which the addict does not have the means to cope, other than to act out sexually.
Thus, a vicious cycle is born and the addict is unable to extricate himself from it. Breaking the cycle is a primary goal of treatment for this problem.