Sex / Pornography Addiction Support Group

Hi woodstacker,

I don't know anything about either of these groups, so I can't give you any advice on these programs. But I would like to give you a warning.

Some of these Christian groups are very good, as far as they go. The problem is, they don't go very far. The one program I personally checked out, Pure Life Ministries, concentrated solely on the spiritual aspects of the addiction by dealing with this disorder as sin. They did nothing to address addiction triggers, childhood abuse issues, adult child/inner child issues, emotional catharsis, or healthy sexuality. It was all about sin.

Other folks that I know, and trust, including a couple of psychotherapists, have checked out other programs, including the Celebrate Recovery programs, and the Christian Recovery programs. Both programs, according to these folks, were also deficient in content. If you are interested in attending a seminar or workshop that would give you a balanced perspectivie on this disorder, I would suggest you consider attending the national conference of the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health which will be held in San Diego from September 23 to September 26, 2009.

Among the folks who will be attending this conference will be Dr. Patrick J. Carnes, Douglas Weiss and Steve Arteburn (who both run balanced Christian based treatment programs), and Rev. Dr. Mark Laaser (he wrote the definitive book on sexual addiction from a Christian perspective, "The Secret Sin", available from AMAZON.COM or Hazelden).

Now I'm not against Christianity or Christian approaches to sexual addiction, per se. I am a Christian myself. But I hate to see religious organizations minimizing this disorder, reducing it to simply a matter of sin, when it is so much more involved then that. If you'd like more information on this conference, you can check the website maintained by the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (www.sash.net/). On the left side of the Home Page will be a long list of options. If you'll click on "Conferences" you find everything you're looking for. Good luck.

I went to EMB weekend, and it was a solid well done thrust into my recovery. I learned alot, and made some good friends. The format is 1 hour lecture, 1 hour team work with 10 participants and 1 or two counselors. It is expensive, but my wife and I both agreed that it was very worth the money. Be prepared to either get into their accountability groups, or get into SA or SAA immediately afteward.

It is scripturally based and provides alot of information!

Let me tell you one story, the instructor said he had a gift for us. He described it as one of the most effective tools to curb out of control fantasies. Then he proceeded to pass out rubber bands. After he passed them all out, he said, "Now, put them on your wrist." Someone in the group said, " Wheew, thats good!"

The rubber band is for aversion therapy. It is used to change the chemestry in your brain from endorphines that come from the fantasies, and ultimately from masturbation, to replace it with pain. I guarantee that 40 days of popping the rubber band in response to fantasies will elimiate 80% of that struggle.


I would read the book first.

My husband went to the Every Man's Battle conference also, as did my brother-in-law. While it is Christian-based, I was told very little of the recovery process focuses on leaning more on God to get rid of the desires. They are very proactive and guide you in creating a "battle plan" that has been VERY effective in keeping my husband sober. It is a lot of money, but I believe my husband still is in contact with a few of the men he met there.

Also, that conference that Charlie is talking about sounds AMAZING. Carnes and Laasar are, in my opinion, the leaders in SA. My husband has read countless books on SA, and his top choice is Mark Laasar's "Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction." Also, we went to a New Life conference with Steve Aurterburn and he has some good wisdom also. I haven't heard of this conference yet, but from the names it definitely sounds like cream of the crop. And San Diego's not such a bad place to visit, either. Haha.

Best of luck.

http://www.sexualrecovery.com/

I've been to a lecture to the above address, they were awesome! They have lectures and support groups every Saturday for $20.
They also offer more intensive treatment, phone service, and an email service to help.
The founder Rob Weiss is being mentored by Patrick Carnes. I wish i had them at my finger tips more often.

Sorry forgot to add....

Here is another helpful site.

http://www.themeadows.org/index.html

Let me just add something to what TrinaOz just shared. The Meadows is a treatment center in Wickenburg, Arizona that deals with sexual addiction. Dr. Pat Carnes directed their program for four or five years until he moved to where he is now, the Pine Grove Behavioral Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The program at The Meadows is now directed by Pia Melody, a very knowledgeable and effective therapist. Other staff members are The Meadows include Claudia Black, Ph.D. and John Bradshaw.

If you haven't had a chance to read any of Bradshaw's books, you really need to put them on your "Must Read" list. His stuff is fantastic. I would particularly recommend "Bradshaw On: The Family". You'll swear the man was right there in your living room and kitchen with you as you were growing up. His descriptions of the dysfunctional family are incredible. Do yourself a BIG favor and read the book!!