Contrary to Love: Helping the Sexual Addict

Rating:
Summary: Far more than meets the eye
Review: For me it would have been more difficult to appreciate this book had I not read "Out of the Shadows." I had purchased these books over ten years ago but only read them within the past few months. One of the great values of Carnes approach is his no wholes barred, stratight on approach to addiction and the role that sexual addiction plays. There is nothing wishy-washy in his approach to the dilemma, nor is there anything apologetic about his criticisms (i.e. limitations) of AA and common theraputic practices. To me he is entirely convincing which speaks for his clear understanding of addiction that adds for the breakdown of social or societal illusions and delusions. I just wish he took more seriously what he refers to as stage one addictions to which he does concede some degree of (to me mostly unjustifiable) normalcy and acceptance based on social norms. Aside from that, it is simply an outstanding book.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best books in this field!
Review: The title of this book reveals the premise that Patrick Carnes presents. He tells us that the behaviors of sexual addicts are not actions of love, but of abnormal, compulsive rituals performed in a desparate attempt to self-treat the feelings of despair and anger that has become the fabric of the addict's life. This book is not an introductory volume, it is quite thorough and detailed. The author outlines six phases of sex addiction as well as explaining three levels of behavior. He points out that the different levels of behavior are not necessarily progressive, but the phases of addiction ARE. While this book is designed specifically for those who are care-givers for the sexually addicted, it also gives comfort and insight to the co-addict or codependent involved with the addict. The thoroughness and detail that he writes with may actually be beyond the easy comprehension of many addicts themselves, due to their cloudy comprehension and frequent separations from reality, but I would recommend this book as a challenge and as an invaluable tool for breaking the chains of sexual addiction.