Lonely All the Time: Recognizing, Understanding, and Overcoming Sex Addiction, for Addicts and Co-Dependents

Amid the spate of recent books on sex addiction, this excellent, jargon-free volume stands out for its clarity and comprehensiveness. The authors--clinical psychologists and family therapists in Scottsdale, Ariz.--show that obsessive sexual compulsions can take many forms: empty affairs, frequent visits to prostitutes, phone sex, child molesting, etc. Through the euphoric high of sex, the sex addict may gain proof of adequacy, a sense of control or temporary relief from feelings of worthlessness. Co-dependents--spouses or partners ``addicted to the addict''--frequently end up resembling the sex-obsessed person, crippled by denial and an inability to express emotion. Children of sex addicts adopt well-rehearsed roles that stand in for authentic identities. Besides illustrating these dynamics through case histories, this self-help guide features a ``Family History Questionnaire,'' tips for recovering sex addicts and guidelines on choosing a support group or therapist. (June)