A Marriage Therapist's Blog

 

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Posts Tagged ‘sex addiction’


Mar 25

Some Points About Porn

By Jay Slupesky
2 Comments
Specific Problems

Here are few interesting statistics about pornography:

  • Every second $3,075.64 is being spent on pornography.
  • Every second 28,258 internet users are viewing pornography.
  • Every 39 minutes a new pornographic video is being created in the U.S.
  • 4.2 million websites contain pornographic material.
  • There are 68 million daily pornographic search engine requests (which is 25% of all search engine requests).
  • Approximate percentage of internet users who view pornography: 42.7%

In the U.S., the internet is easily the most popular form of pornography for a number of reasons. It is free, highly available, easily and quickly accessed, and can be totally anonymous. While many may peruse the internet without becoming hooked, a host of others find their usage and associated behaviors problematic or even addictive. For example, the usual indicators of addiction are typically present: repeated failed attempts to stop, preoccupation, intense feelings of secrecy and shame, relational problems, extreme time and/or money lost, and feeling unable to control thoughts, desires and behaviors.

A recent article in Family Therapy magazine cited that over 70% of sex addicts report cybersex (any sexual activity conducted via internet) as the beginning or as a catalyst to their sexual acting out. The article also cited research where cybersex addiction impaired significant aspects of the marital relationship and was a major contributing factor to separation and divorce. It stands to reason that if pornography and/or cybersex use are becoming a problem or already problematic for you or your spouse, seeking help and support earlier rather than later is the best course of action.



Jan 09

Addicted to Sex

By Jay Slupesky
3 Comments
Infidelity, Specific Problems

Computer KeyboardThis week I’m in Phoenix, studying treatments for sex addiction at workshop given by the International Institute for Truma and Addiction Profesionals (IITAP). I’ve been interested in sex addiction for a some time, mainly because of the number of men I’ve worked with who had an internet pornography addiction.

This workshop is being led by Dr. Patrick Carnes, who was a pioneer in the research and treatment of sex addiction. His book, Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction, written in 1983, was the groundbreaking book in the field. Also teaching is Dr. Kenneth Adams, who has also written books on the topic.

Sex addiction is an increasing problem in our society, due in large part to the internet. Online, it is easy to access pornography of every variety, find partners for casual anonymous sex, and locate prostitutes. The discovery by a spouse or partner of a secret sex addiction is, of course, very damaging, and often brings couples into marital therapy.