❤️ Let's Talk About Sex Addiction!
❤️ Let's Talk About Sex Addiction!
+ 🔬Addiction & Genetics, 🎰 Grandma's Gambling Addiction, 🏛️ PA Courts & Opioid Treatments & 🎤 Jack Osbourne on Fame & Sobriety
Hi Friends,
Buckle up, because this week's newsletter is taking a walk on the wild side! We're diving deep into a topic that's both hot and heavy: sex. But here's the twist - it's all about sex addiction. You see, in the world of addiction recovery, sex addiction often gets a bad rap, misunderstood, much like alcoholism. It's not just about chasing pleasure; there's a whole lot more beneath the surface.
I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with psychotherapist and coach, Emily Sussman, to peel back the layers of this complex issue. Trust me, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
And because we like to keep you in the loop on everything, we've also rounded up the latest and greatest in addiction recovery and the journey to sobriety.
Damon Frank
Damon Frank chats with Emily Susman, a psychotherapist and coach, to explore the topic of sex addiction. Emily brings a cool mix of professional knowledge and personal experience to the table, giving us a fresh look at sex addiction and busting some of the myths around it. They dive deep into how addiction really means losing control and how it can mess up someone's life big time. They also touch on how sex addiction, just like any addiction, is often about trying to run away from facing the real you. Plus, they cover the different ways sex addiction can show up, from being hooked on porn to voyeurism, and how it can really take a toll on your relationships and how you feel about yourself, all wrapped up in a whole lot of shame.
Problems viewing the video? You can also watch this on YouTube.
🗳️ In The News
Navigating the Genetic and Environmental Labyrinth of Alcoholism
Growing up in an environment saturated with alcohol, Stephen's journey underscores the complex interplay of genetic predisposition and familial influences on the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Research highlights that genes contribute to about 50% of the risk for AUD, with specific traits affecting alcohol metabolism and tolerance levels, thereby influencing an individual's likelihood of developing the disorder. Environmental factors, such as early exposure to alcohol and childhood trauma, significantly shape drinking behaviors and risk profiles, emphasizing the importance of delaying the first drink and fostering healthy coping mechanisms. To mitigate the risk of AUD, experts advocate for moderation, self-awareness of drinking motives, and seeking professional help if personal limits are consistently exceeded, showcasing Stephen's path to sobriety as a testament to the power of awareness and support.
Read the full article in The New York Times
Grandma's New Bet: The Rising Tide of Senior Gambling Addiction
As America grapples with an unprecedented surge in gambling, particularly sports betting, seniors are increasingly falling prey to the lure of easy wagers, driven by the loneliness of the pandemic and the accessibility of gambling apps. The problem, once considered rare among the elderly, now dominates addiction therapy practices, with seniors experiencing catastrophic financial and social consequences. The rise in elderly gambling addiction is attributed to a mix of factors, including the Supreme Court's 2018 decision to legalize sports betting, aggressive marketing by gambling operators, and the pandemic-induced isolation. With the Super Bowl set to smash betting records, it's crucial to address this growing crisis among America's elders, who, faced with addiction, stand to lose much more than their bets.
Read the full article at The Guardian
A Dose of Justice: PA Courts to Welcome Opioid Treatment Meds in Drug Courts
In a landmark settlement, Pennsylvania's drug courts are shifting gears to allow opioid addiction medications like methadone and buprenorphine, ending years of legal battles and suffering for those battling addiction. This move comes after federal prosecutors challenged the state's Unified Judicial System, arguing that denying these medications was both harmful and a violation of federal antidiscrimination laws. Blair, Jefferson, and Northumberland County courts are now mandated to adopt a nondiscrimination policy within 60 days, setting a precedent for all Pennsylvania courts to potentially follow. The settlement, which includes a $100,000 payout to affected former drug court participants, signifies a major shift towards embracing medication-assisted treatment, aiming to combat overdose risks and relapse among those with substance use disorders.
Read the full article at The Philadelphia Inquirer
Jack Osbourne's Journey from Fame's Spotlight to Sobriety
Jack Osbourne, offspring of the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, navigated an extraordinary adolescence filled with the extremes of rock star fame and the shadows of addiction. Thrust into the limelight with MTV's hit reality show "Meet The Osbournes," Jack's teenage years were marked by unparalleled fame and the early onset of alcohol and drug addiction, spiraling out of control with a dangerous cocktail of OxyContin and alcohol. Despite grappling with dyslexia, ADHD, and depression amid family health crises, Jack's road to recovery began with a serious commitment to sobriety at the age of 17, leading to an arduous but successful 60-day treatment. Now, two decades sober, Jack celebrates his continuous fight against addiction, fueled by his role as a devoted father and husband, proving that even in the chaos of celebrity, redemption is within reach.
Read the full article at Big Think