A confronting and deeply i formative book which could be the foundation for a complete life or career change. It heralds a coming tsunami of addicts in our 21st century society. This book can help you prepare.

Absolutely outstanding. I read a bunch of books on addiction, trauma and especially porn/sex addiction and this is the first one which says it like it is. Not afraid to talk about the uncomfortable truth which many people are so afraid to speak about.

Extremely insightful. 5/5

Carnes presents examples of previous clients he has provided therapy to in order to show the thoughts and beliefs of those who are "sex addicts." He used very little supporting research throughout the book, and many of his references included books written by him. He presents pedophiliacs, paraphiliacs, etc. as "sex addicts" and states that sex addiction as a disease. He includes a chapter on the 12 Step Model based on Alcoholics Anonymous as a form of treatment for sex addicts. Again, there is very little evidence to back up his argument. He makes no mention of anti-social personality disorders, and how those diagnosed with it may not have committed their crimes for the same reasons as one who is "addicted to sex." He includes social/enironmental factors as causes of sex addiction, which I could agree with, though mentioning the biological factors could have been beneficial had he had any evidence/research. Overall, I had trouble accepting much of what he said due to my own experience working with sex offenders but he did make interesting points and provide another viewpoint.

The content of the book is good. It creates awareness on how many behaviors from substance addicts can be also found in people who have compulsive sexual behavior. as far as I've read, it seems that psychologyst still don't recognize sex addiction as a pathology, but nevertheless it's good to understand how it affects people and what are the possible causes. I think the writing is a bit dry, so it is not an entertaining book, though, which can make it difficult to read until the end.

Tough Subject

Out of the Shadows was well written and informative. It helps to explain why those with sexual addiction do what they do. I don't like the theory that they can't help It or that they are too ashamed to get help--but I don't believe that has any bearing on the content written by this author.

This has several useful insights about the deviant psychology of addiction. The book was written very well with a great flow of information. I thought Dr Carnes used too many tories about gruesome sex crimes to hammer home the seriousness of this addiction.
I prefer the SLAA Basic Text; however, this is a good book too.

A classic in its genre. Really useful

Slightly dated now, but a great overview of SA.

The book is a mix of pyschobabble and many real life stories you can relate to and make sense of. It describes the words and behavior of the addict and co-addict and the role that families, friends and society (in general) play in creating, nurturing, discouraging and stopping addictions.

Heard about this on a social work podcast.

A must read for anyone wanting to counsel someone through sexual brokenness and healing. Carnes’s experience is evident and the plethora of examples he has makes me both cautious and excited about delvelopibg counseling skills in this field.

Excellent book to help understand the complexities of sexual addiction and its effect on those who struggle with this.