An eye-opening resource into the reality of sexual addiction and its parallels to many more commonly recognized addictions to alcohol and gambling. Not only does Carnes illustrate the mentality of the addict but also that of the “co-addict” or close partner or individual that plays a significant role in the either the addict’s recovery or disintegration.

Be aware that this book is abounding in very real, sometimes incredibly graphic and dark anecdotes based on real addict stories from Carnes patients. Very helpful to illustrate the problem but can be very traumatic if you're not prepared.

This book is primarily focused on the basic principles of identifying the addiction and the key philosophy to addressing the false beliefs that fuel the shame cycle. It’s not purpose of this book to demonstrate practical details for the path to recovery as it is more a general defense and overview of the illness.

Addicts and co-addicts alike will be comforted in reading this book and be given the basic understanding and principles needed to begin breaking free of sexual addiction.

Picked this book as part of background research for a new story I am writing. When I started I knew absolutely zero about sexual addiction. This book was recommended as the ideal tutorial on the topic and definitely fulfilled that purpose.

The author neither makes excuses nor condemns sexual addicts, and his primary point is that it is similar to other forms of addiction (alcohol, drugs, gambling). Society treats sexual disorders and crimes much differently than the others, and the treatment apparatus is far less developed. Carnes case is we must eventually do the same for this type of addiction in order to prevent or mitigate the harm that comes from it.

A good case, fairly persuasive although I still do not know enough about the topic to say for sure Carnes is absolutely right. Since this is only background research, I doubt I will proceed any farther.

Fantastic. The best book I've yet read on sexual addiction

Too many of these types of books only offer a superficial assessment of this illness. This book, however, actually went in depth discussing the importance of the familial context of an addict; this has genuinely given me new insights that shine a stronger light on this issue.

This is THE book that many other SAA prevention/recovery books are based on, and for good reason. This book wasted no time, and was worth every second. Carnes has thoroughly researched the subject at hand, and is more than up to the task of breaking down and relaying that information to the reader.

While it’s hard to look problems like these in the eyes, the product makes this a very worthwhile read, whether it be for you or someone you know!

quick and easy read! very informative too

The most candid and specific book on this topic I've read yet (not that I've read that many, but still...). He spares no one when he gives the reader insight on specifically how this addiction affects different areas of one's life. Extremely interesting, but, very uncomfortable to read.

Headway

I could have done without some of the more explicit examples, but overall it was helpful.

A helpful presentation of the author's research on sexual addiction and the effects it has on people.

I don't like how he labels partners as coaddicts, but otherwise it has some good content.

A classic text on sex addiction written from a secular perspective. Helpful in diagnosis, surveying the landscape of addiction, and understanding the core beliefs of addicts. Recovery is all focused on the Twelve Steps. Good for what it is, but lacking in gospel hope.