Week 8

Discussion Board Forum 7

Topic: Discussion Question from Caring for People Gods Way - Chapter 13
Sexual-oriented problems can be a debilitating addiction. The wounds of people
suffering from addictions in this realm can be difficult to overcome, as can overcoming
this type of addiction. The roots of sexual addiction can run deep and often involve
emotional wounds that where caused while they where growing up (Clinton, et al, 2005,
p. 278). According to our text 81% of sexual addicts where sexually abused, 74% have
been physically abused, and 97% of them had been emotionally abused (Clinton, et al,
2005, p. 278). Abuse leaves addicts feeling lonely, angry, and confused; which can cause
them to feel like they are bad, worthless, and unlovable (Clinton, et al, 2005, p. 278).
Sexual addicts oft times suffer from more than one type of addiction, as roughly 50% also
are alcoholics (Clinton, et al, 2005, p. 279). People with sexual addictions can be codependent, have intimacy issues, approval disorders, and attention deficit disorder
(Clinton, et al, 2005, p. 279-281). The spiritual lives of an addict are in disarray, with
sexual addiction being a spiritual act of rebellion against God (Clinton, et al, 2005, p.
281). Recovery from this type of abuse can be very difficult. Sex is everywhere you
look in todays culture, which may in fact be part of why this type of addiction is on the
rise. No longer does one have to sneak into an adult bookstore to find material; it is in
the check out lines in supermarkets, on almost every television show, throughout the
Internet, and even within our churches. It has also become totally acceptable throughout
our culture.
If I was dealing with a counselee who is struggling with issues, the first thing that I would
ask them is if they feel shame in what they are thinking or doing. Shame goes hand and
hand with sexual addictions because in the very core of their being they know that they
are going against the will of God. Other signs of trouble that I would look for is the
condition of the intimacy within their marriage.
For treatment I believe a scriptural cognitive approach would work best. Scripture tells
us to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5),
their minds must be retrained to desire to please God, no longer living in shame and
rebellion to His Word. Relational and intimacy issues also will need to be worked on,
helping them right wrong beliefs of themselves and relationships that they have
developed throughout their lives. Helping a person deal with abuse in their past if that in
fact is a factor will be important. Learning to forgive those who have hurt them, and
learning to forgive themselves will be effective in their treatment. Freedom from sexual
addictions will not happen overnight; they might prove be a continual weed that will need
tending throughout their lives. An alcoholic can avoid alcohol by avoiding bars, but
sexual situations are everywhere, including ones mind. Since emotional, physical,
relational, and spiritual areas within a persons life are effected by a sexual addiction care
should be taken assessing the individuals need in each area developing a plan to heal the
whole person, reconnecting them to God.
Reference:

Clinton, T., Hart, A., & Ohlschlager, G. (2005). Caring for People Gods Way: Personal
and Emotional Issues, Addictions, Grief, and Trauma. Nashville, Tennessee:
Thomas Neilson.