There was a time when sex and pornography addiction were not talked about as problems. It was assumed that men were just naturally more obsessed or highly-interested in sex. In fact, for some, a young man “reading” a Playboy magazine was considered a right-of-passage. It seemed much more innocent then.
Sex Addiction and Internet Pornography
But times have changed and so has the brain science behind the intoxicating imagery available in this age of the Internet and smart devices. Access to pornography is readily available, daily, right at our finger tips. Social networking sites have made it easier to engage in cybersex without regard for real-life consequences. And hook up apps only require a swipe left or right without any need for pickup lines. In this age, the pursuit of non-relational sex is ubiquitous and easy, and some men suffer when it escalates into compulsive and addictive patterns.
While seldom diagnosed and treated, it’s estimated that up to 10% of men struggle with a sexual compulsion or addiction. It can manifest in a variety of ways: showing up as a fixation with Internet pornography, exhibitionism, promiscuity, obsessive masturbation, use of adult establishments, or pay for sex encounters. The costs of sex addiction, though less evident than alcoholism or gambling, are as pernicious for the addict as for those who love him: divorce, duplicity, disease, shame, anxiety, depression, and escalation of behavior sometimes leading to criminal behavior. But, as with other addictions, there is value and promise in seeking help.
The Catalyst to Change
I needed to control my behavior as well as my sexual addiction. The individual and group therapy at the Men’s Resource Center have been the catalyst to change in my relationship with myself, my wife, my family, and others I cross paths with in my life.
Sex and Porn Addiction Treatment
The Men’s Resource Center of West Michigan is here for those men who have — or are concerned about — a problem with addictive or compulsive sexual behaviors. Our sex and pornography addiction support groups as well as one-on-one in-person counseling and online counseling and coaching for sex addiction provide the tools they need to break out of the shame and isolation of addiction. All of our programs cover the basics of addiction, relapse prevention, and recovery in a supportive and caring environment. And, because addicts are not in this situation alone, we provide education, guidance, and counseling for partners, children, and other family members.
There is no shame in seeking help. We offer our clients an intake assessment so that we can get a sense of the scope and severity of the issues they face and tailor our counseling to their needs. And, although not all men who seek help will meet the clinical criteria for addiction, it is smart to discover the nature and scope of the problem rather than risk an escalation to regrettable and life-changing consequences. Explore the programs below and contact the Men’s Resource Center for our fee schedule and more information.