Admitting that one has a sex addiction can be difficult, and many
feel it's a one-time event. They envision themselves or others saying
"I am a sex addict," and then the healing begins. Well, it's not that
simple or easy. Nothing with this addiction is. Coming to grips with sex
addiction is a process and an important step is fitting in to a therapy
group.
Attending group therapy can be daunting for many reasons. Walking into that room, sitting in that circle of chairs, facing other people who are battling the same addiction, all that can add up to make a person feel like "one of those people." People they never thought they'd be and can hardly believe they are now. Many addicts go through a number of false starts on group therapy, leaving after a few sessions or flitting from group to group.
Addicts who are first time group therapy attendees are very much in the grip of their addiction, and the brain mechanisms defending the problem are still at work. Sex addicts have a host of reasons for avoiding group therapy. Maybe they don't think they fit in with the other members. Perhaps they feel their problems are on a different level. It might be the people, either. Some groups use religion heavily in their discussions which turns many people away. For some addicts, group therapy is also where they come face to face with the fact that some battle sex addiction their entire lives, leaving them to wonder if group therapy works, or is worth it.
While often these are just excuses brought on by shame and other feelings, it could very well be a particular group of people just doesn't jibe with one member. Having to embrace religion is a personal journey in its own right, and it simply won't help people who feel they're being converted in exchange for help. An addict should feel free to try about a half dozen different groups, but anymore than that and they should consider the possibility that the problem isn't with the group.
A number of organizations sponsor sex addiction treatment groups. Each has a different tone.
Sexaholics Anonymous
Based off Alcoholics Anonymous, this group has a definition of sexual sobriety for its members. No sex outside of marriage, and no sex with the self. It also defines marriage as between one man and one woman, making it problematic for many people.
Sex Addicts Anonymous
This group stresses the "anonymous" part of their name, and screens members before giving them meeting times and locations. It's open to all, and requires each member to define sobriety for themselves.
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
In short, the non-physical side of sex also produces addictive brain chemicals, like the physical side. People can be addicted to seeking new relationships and flirting. This group has members identify "bottom line" behaviors, which can include emotions and thoughts as well as physical actions.
Sexual Compulsive Anonymous
Homosexual and bisexual men make up most of this group, but more heterosexuals and women are joining. Like some other group's we've mentioned, it encourages healthy sexual expression over repression.
This list is not exhaustive, but those above cover the general types of groups one can find. There are also groups for couples and the souses of those addicted to sex.
Attending group therapy can be daunting for many reasons. Walking into that room, sitting in that circle of chairs, facing other people who are battling the same addiction, all that can add up to make a person feel like "one of those people." People they never thought they'd be and can hardly believe they are now. Many addicts go through a number of false starts on group therapy, leaving after a few sessions or flitting from group to group.
Addicts who are first time group therapy attendees are very much in the grip of their addiction, and the brain mechanisms defending the problem are still at work. Sex addicts have a host of reasons for avoiding group therapy. Maybe they don't think they fit in with the other members. Perhaps they feel their problems are on a different level. It might be the people, either. Some groups use religion heavily in their discussions which turns many people away. For some addicts, group therapy is also where they come face to face with the fact that some battle sex addiction their entire lives, leaving them to wonder if group therapy works, or is worth it.
While often these are just excuses brought on by shame and other feelings, it could very well be a particular group of people just doesn't jibe with one member. Having to embrace religion is a personal journey in its own right, and it simply won't help people who feel they're being converted in exchange for help. An addict should feel free to try about a half dozen different groups, but anymore than that and they should consider the possibility that the problem isn't with the group.
A number of organizations sponsor sex addiction treatment groups. Each has a different tone.
Sexaholics Anonymous
Based off Alcoholics Anonymous, this group has a definition of sexual sobriety for its members. No sex outside of marriage, and no sex with the self. It also defines marriage as between one man and one woman, making it problematic for many people.
Sex Addicts Anonymous
This group stresses the "anonymous" part of their name, and screens members before giving them meeting times and locations. It's open to all, and requires each member to define sobriety for themselves.
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
In short, the non-physical side of sex also produces addictive brain chemicals, like the physical side. People can be addicted to seeking new relationships and flirting. This group has members identify "bottom line" behaviors, which can include emotions and thoughts as well as physical actions.
Sexual Compulsive Anonymous
Homosexual and bisexual men make up most of this group, but more heterosexuals and women are joining. Like some other group's we've mentioned, it encourages healthy sexual expression over repression.
This list is not exhaustive, but those above cover the general types of groups one can find. There are also groups for couples and the souses of those addicted to sex.
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