Sex Addict
Could This Be Me?

 Addict’s Stories

His Story:
"For 22 years, I was addicted to porn. It got to the point that I hated the person I had become. So many times, I either purchased or looked at it, and then hated myself more afterwards. But I can tell you that there is a way out. You can't get out alone. I kept thinking I could. But the truth is, I needed someone, and so do you."

Josh, Pastor of Brookside Church

Her Story:
"Being a woman addicted to porn completely isolated me from the world. I would plan my day around it, locking myself in my room for hours at a time. I wouldn’t tell anyone because I was always told it was wrong. I thought that if no one knew, than it wasn’t such a big deal. The truth was that I wanted to be in that situation. I wanted something to look forward to every night, but all I found was a prison I created for myself. Escaping that prison was difficult, but I feel free now that I’ve talked to some of the women I know and can begin to let go.”

Anonymous

What Does Sex Addiction Look Like?

Sex addicts engage in obsessive/compulsive sexual behavior that causes severe stress to themselves and their families. They make sex the center of their lives, become willing to sacrifice what they value most and could exhibit behaviors such as:

  • compulsive heterosexual and homosexual relationships
  • exhibitionism
  • voyeurism
  • incest
  • compulsive masturbation
  • obsession with pornography
  • prostitution
  • indecent phone calls


    • For the sex addict, each external sexual act is a desperate attempt to be involved in a relationship without being truly known and having to take the risks involved in developing real intimacy. Addicts are unable to stop their involvement in behaviors they generally know are destructive, and usually progress to more and more dangerous behaviors.

    The Progression:


    0 - Curious about pornography.
    1 - Pursuit of pornography.
    2 - Contact with it.
    3 - Interested in it.
    4 - Rearrange your schedule in order to view it.
    5 - Can’t go a day without out it.

    You can go from Zero to Five in three days!


    Do I Have A Sexual Addiction?


    To help determine whether or not you have a sexual addiction, ask yourself the following questions:

    1. Have you ever thought you needed help for your sexual thinking or behavior?
    2. Are sex and stimuli controlling you?
    3. Do you resort to sex to escape, relieve anxiety, or because you can’t cope?
    4. Do you want to get away from the sex partner as soon as possible after the act?
    5. Although your spouse is sexually compatible, do you still masturbate or have sex with others?
    6. Do you arrange your schedule so you can access it?
    7. Is the time you spend viewing porn and masturbating a secret from most people who know you well?

    If you answered yes to any of the above questions, there is a way out.


    “Without treatment, the disease of sexual addiction eventually engulfs the person. For the progression to stop, symptoms must not just be eliminated but the core of the problem must be healed.” - Stephen F. Arterburn

    Help Is Available TODAY!


    If you or someone you know has a sex addiction problem, the steps to recovery are as follows:

    Face the problem. Admit that sex addiction is a problem. Most people need someone to help them take this step.

    Seek help in a “safe” place. The most effective programs treat the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the problem and involve both of the following elements:

    Psychologist/counselor – A skilled professional can provide objective, diagnostic and clinical help.

    Support group - A group offers the ‘arms and legs” of acceptance, understanding, affirmation and loving care.

    Accountability – Is a necessary step to full recovery.

    Don’t let another day pass! If you are reluctant to seek help, please realize that addiction is progressive and only escalates. Knowing there is a sexual addiction problem and not seeking help can be likened to disregarding cancer cells you know are active in your body and taking no action. There is no better time than now.


    You Can’t Conquer This Alone. Don’t Delay Reach Out for Help Today!

    The following ministries are available to begin your journey to freedom.
  • Be Broken 1-800-49-PURITY www.bebroken.com
  • New Life Ministries 1-800-NEW-LIFE www.newlife.com
  • Foundation Counseling 1-877-414-HOPE www.foundationscounseling.org

    • For more resources please visit www.Brooksidechurchpa.com
    where you’ll find recommended books, links, and recovery groups.

    “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” James 5:16a