For The Addict

For The AddictThere are may be many reasons why you’ve found your way to this page. You may “know” that you have a problem. You may be wondering if your sexual behaviors are really that problematic. You may be here because a partner or other loved one has asked you to “get help.” Regardless of why you are here, know that it’s not your fault that you are having issues with sexual compulsivity. However, it is your responsibility to determine how serious the problem is and to do something about it.

Also, please be aware that you might be experiencing your own overwhelming emotions. As you seek to understand the impact that your behaviors have had in your own life, how those behaviors have affected those close to you, and how serious of a problem this is for you, know that these emotions will begin to level off—you CAN find peace and healing in your life!

Do I have a problem?

To determine if you have a problem, take a look at the following areas, and honestly assess if some of these behaviors and consequences apply to you:

Specific Behaviors:

  • Having sexual sites bookmarked
  • Joining sexual sites to gain access to online sexual material
  • Searching for sexual material through an Internet search tool
  • Spending money for online or phone sexual material
  • Participating in sexually related chats
  • Using sexualized usernames or nicknames on the Internet
  • Masturbating while viewing sexual material
  • Accessing sexual sites from multiple computers
  • Taking increased risks online (e.g., giving out your name and phone number, meeting people offline, etc.)
  • Experiencing significant physiological changes while visiting sexual Internet areas (e.g., increase in heart rate, sweaty palms, etc.)
  • Viewing more pornography, for longer periods of time, or seeking more hard-core pornography to get the same level of excitement as at first
  • Spending time planning when you can view sexual material
  • Spending inordinate amounts of time obtaining sexual material
  • Having online sexual affairs or encounters
  • Engaging in online fantasy that would be illegal if carried out
  • Engaging in various other sexual behaviors (e.g., strip clubs, massage parlors, escort/prostitution services, compulsive masturbation, affairs, exhibitionism, voyeurism, etc.)

Continuing the Behavior In Spite of Negative Effects:

  • Neglecting important social, relationship, occupational, or recreational activities to view pornography or act out sexually in other ways
  • Continuing the behavior despite it having caused or having the potential to cause significant problems (such as legal risk, risk of job loss, interference with spiritual or religious life, relationship difficulties, financial problems, etc.)
  • Continuing the behavior in spite of family and friends expressing concern about your behavior

Secrecy:

  • Hiding the behavior from others (e.g., moving the computer monitor so others cannot see it, lying, using the computer at times when others aren’t around, worrying about others finding out, not being accountable for your time, etc.)

Attempts to Quit/Loss of Control:

Attempts To Quit/Loss of Control

  • Repeated attempts and promises to stop using pornography and consequent repeated failure
  • Wanting to stop your sexual behaviors but feeling unable to stop
  • After stopping viewing pornography, the desire to view it again gets stronger and stronger
  • Getting on the Internet for another purpose but ending up viewing pornography
  • Promising yourself that “this is the last time” yet continuing to engage in the sexual behavior

Using Pornography/Sex to Deal with Emotions:

  • Using pornography as a reward; to escape, deny, or numb feelings; or to avoid problems

Negative Emotions Connected with Use:

  • Feeling anxious, angry, or disappointed when unable to access pornography or to engage in other sexual behaviors
  • Guilt or shame connected to pornography use and other sexual behaviors
  • Punishing self for using pornography

Though the above list is not comprehensive, if you found yourself agreeing with many of the statements, then you likely have a problem.

Sex Addiction Screening Test (SAST)

AnswersTo further determine how serious your behaviors are, we recommend that you give yourself 10 minutes to take an online assessment called the Sex Addiction Screening Test (SAST). This assessment is FREE and ANONYMOUS. Once you have completed the assessment, print out the results, and contact LifeSTAR to speak to someone about your results.

To take the SAST, go to the following website: www.RecoveryZone.com and click on the ‘SAST’ link.

Please don’t delay in reaching out for the help and support that you need.

Please Call Now for a FREE phone consultation.

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