tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375344096409031979.post7337548314669273084..comments2023-11-02T11:57:59.927-04:00Comments on Straight Guise: Controversy over sexual addictionDr. Joe Korthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656437986661601760noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375344096409031979.post-88820112996160019752009-12-27T18:04:17.676-05:002009-12-27T18:04:17.676-05:00Steve, I completely agree! Thanks for your input. ...Steve, I completely agree! Thanks for your input. It was too superficial. I found it to be a great start and I agree not all sexually compulsive people have to give up sex toys or sex work. That would be too simplistic.Dr. Joe Korthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08656437986661601760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375344096409031979.post-43817524582643426812009-12-27T17:57:13.978-05:002009-12-27T17:57:13.978-05:00I see common threads between these public conversa...I see common threads between these public conversations about sex addiction and long-standing tensions in the broader addiction treatment field, where the 12 Steps and evidence-based treatment have often been at odds with each other.<br /><br />The VH1 show didn't help things on that front, either, by opening each episode with a voice-over by Dr. Drew to the effect that sex addiction is deadly just like drug addiction. Offered without clarification (that I've been able to find) or evidence, it comes across as more hyperbolic than helpful.<br /><br />Another striking anecdote, for me, was the group therapy session when various items were placed in high-risk to low-risk groupings. Sex toys, erotica, and a laptop were brought out. For some in the group, use of any computer sounded very risky, and the therapists seemed to concur that abstaining form internet use was necessary. One person spoke up about his career having a significant online component. <br /><br />Again, no evidence or further clarification was offered... do most sex addicts need to avoid careers which include online work in order to be healthy? What is the quality of the evidence on that?<br /><br />Overall, the diversity of issues among the participants in the show was eye-opening. For example, one person talked about using online erotica for 12+ hours daily, avoiding social contact. For a couple of others, the core concern seemed to be compulsively seeking anonymous encounters.<br /><br />In the context of that diversity, it struck me as incongruent that the voice-overs preferred to oversimplify that sex addiction is a more unitary thing, and all of the addicts had similar, expected experiences in treatment.<br /><br />My preferences: De-emphasize addiction, focus more on identifying and treating compulsive behavior, and speak directly about evidence.Stevehttp://atb.opho.orgnoreply@blogger.com