Pot times July 17, 2005
Sex Addicts Need Therapy, Not Shame
URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n000/a274.htmlNewshawk: Beth
Pubdate: Sat, 16 Jul 2005 SEX ADDICTS NEED THERAPY, NOT SHAME
Source: Peoria Journal Star (IL)
Copyright: 2005sPeoria Journal Star
Contact:
forum@pjstar.com
Website: http://pjstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/338
Author: Ted Wolgamot
As someone who is nationally certified as a sex addiction therapist and who has
worked with the families of addicts for some 20 years, I would like to commend
the Journal Star for its opposition to the policy of "shaming"
prostitutes' customers by posting their arrest photos on the Internet.
Many of the people involved in this kind of behavior are addicted to sex.
Addiction of any kind is not a choice. It is a brain disorder, just like
other mental illnesses. This is not said in any way to excuse the addict,
but only to help explain why they do this kind of aberrant, criminal activity.
On their own they cannot stop. What they need to help them stop is not
public shaming, but professional help from certified therapists, combined with
12-step meetings and a sponsor, just like the court system now does with drug
addicts.
Shaming addicts will only produce two results:
1. Create a need for them to even more desperately seek out the same
behavior in ever more clandestine and destructive ways, including the
possibility of suicide.
2. Cause indescribable pain and humiliation for their families,
particularly the children of these addicts. This kind of family
shame/disgrace can then lay the groundwork for developing a home environment
that makes it easier for these same children to become involved in alcohol,
drugs and sexual promiscuity themselves.
The souls of addicts are already filled to overflowing with self-hatred.
Instead of passing that profound heartache onto their children, get these people
help. And here's the good news: never before has this kind of help been as
available as it is now.
Ted Wolgamot
Peoria
