Family, Partner or Spouse of an Addict

Partners and family members of sex addicts often experience a significant amount of trauma themselves during and after finding out that a loved one is addicted to sexual behaviors.  Shock, denial, anger, hopelessness, guilt, shame, confusion are all feelings that are reasonable to experience in this situation. Recognizing that you are not responsible or to blame for the crisis is an important first step. Working through your emotions and determining steps for you and your family’s well-being need to be addressed.  If you believe that your partner or a family member has an addiction to pornography and/or sex, ask yourself the following questions.  If you can answer yes to two or more of these questions, you may be in a relationship with a person who is addicted to sexual behaviors.  .

1. Does your partner seem preoccupied with sexual thoughts or behaviors?
2. Does your partner hide his/her sexual behavior from you?
3. Do you feel your partner needs help for his/her sexual behavior?
4. Have you been hurt emotionally because of your partner’s sexual behavior?
5. Does your partner seem to be controlled by his/her sexual desire?
6. Has your partner accused you of being “crazy” or “jealous” when you question his/her sexual behavior?

If you answered yes to two or more of these questions know that you do not need to struggle alone.  We invite you to call Alaska Counseling Excellence where we treat partners and family members of individuals struggling with porn and sex addiction and the individuals themselves find the healing and understanding that is needed to live life well.