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Summary Of Don T Call It Love By Patrick Carnes

913 Words4 Pages

Addiction is a disorder that has far-reaching implications on not only those who suffer from it but also on those surrounding them. Having a vast understanding of addictive disorders and their causes and symptoms is crucial in directing a road to recovery. Sexual addiction, in particular, is a form of addiction that requires the assistance of friends and family to take action. With the social stigma that surrounds sex, the addiction may not always manifest overtly. Despite the signs of sexual addiction, its existence as an addiction is often denied; however, sex is indeed an addictive behavior with distinct detrimental symptoms that dominate the addict’s life, and proven effective treatments. Sexual addiction and its criteria was first …show more content…

But why is there resistance? One possible explanation could be rooted in the recent declaration seen in the DSM-5: gambling disorder is now reclassified as a behavioral addiction. This statement brings about questioning of other problematic behaviors and whether or not they might be constituted as an addiction (Reid, 2016). With an increase in questioning comes doubts and, therefore, possibly the inquiry on Carnes’ sexual addiction movement. Patrick Carnes (1991) further explores the resistance in his novel Don’t Call It Love, by proposing that it is rooted in the fact that in nearly every adult human’s life, sex is heavily prevalent and plays a central role. Sex is an aspect of human nature that has extreme importance and the ability to inspire fear and power. Differing from other addiction causing substances such as drugs and alcohol, sex is essential to the survival of humans as a species. However, there are frightening aspects of sex that can leave one fearing sexual excess; date rape and sexual assault are scarily prevalent crimes that give rise to religious and political actions to scold sex in excess. Lastly, sex has the ability to engender the courage to act, whether good or bad, promote products such as cars and cologne, improve health and illnesses, and strengthen relationships. Whenever there is a variance – not …show more content…

As was states earlier, addicts experience a great loss of control and, therefore, may find it extremely difficult to personally seek out treatment. Thankfully, there are treatments that exist and have been proven effective for those with a sexual addiction. For example, treatments and their reported successfulness rate include spiritual support (87 percent), couples 12-step groups based on sexual addiction (85 percent), support from friends (69 percent), individual therapy (65 percent), a celibacy period (64 percent) exercise and nutrition (58 percent), and partner support (36 percent) (Carnes, 2003). The goal of treatment is to achieve a healthy sexuality; however, sometimes during recovery the patient experiences sexual aversion, when all sex is viewed as bad

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