Addiction or something else?

[VASurvivor]

I decided to post here, because, for me, it realtes to sexual identity issues...

My story: abused at age 7; sexually active from then on...

So, as my tagline says, I was abused and confused, not gay." In addition to the sexual abuse, I was verbally, physically an emotionally abused by my father; and have sort of uncovered recently with a therapist, that most of my life, I have been deprived of male bonding.

However, today, I struggle with wanting sexual interaction with men.

Wife found this article and I wonder what others think? Is my acting out an addiction? I don't do it often, but when I do, it's like binge drinking. Whether addiction or not, I find the conclusion to be intriguing.

https://www.ted.com/talks/johann_hari_everything_you_think_you_know_about_addiction_is_wrong#t-202527

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/love-and-sex-in-the-digital-age/201509/the-opposite-addiction-is-connection

 

[KMCINVA]

Thank you for sharing. It seems so logical and I bet those stuck in the old ways or those unable to see the need for change will dismiss. I believe he is correct, being engaged in society and people can be life saving.

I heard similar thoughts from others and Hari did an excellent job in speaking in simple and understandable terms.

I come away more enlightened.

Kevin

 

[EdfromNYC]

This from the blog post that you cited:

In truth, the often parallel work of 12-step recovery programs and formalized addiction treatment programs after the initial experience of detox involves connecting the addict to other people. And not just any people, either. Were talking about safe, supportive, reliable, empathetic people.

This has been my experience through a 12 step fellowship for sex addiction and another 12 step fellowship. The 12 steps get rid of the stuff that gets in the way of connecting to others and while we are doing the 12 step work, we are connecting with others who've recovered from being disconnected. And it works - at least for me!

 

[AFBrat]

I was abused from about age four and from then on was sexually active. My father was physically and emotionally abusive. In fact every male I had any close association with either physically or sexually abused me. I too suffered the same confusion, SSA, etc. Those articles made sense to me. As I look at the times when I've acted out the most it has always been when I've felt the most alone and isolated.

Really great articles and something to think about. Thank you for sharing!