Drug Rehabilitation that works

After news broke of Tiger Woods’ affairs, he was treated at a facility for sexual addiction. So is sexual addiction an actual disease or was it an easy way for the global golf star to avoid responsibility? Bill Jones, an area therapist with Addiction Treatment Services, said Friday that he’s a recovering sex addict himself. The disease is more widespread than many would think, more so than alcoholism or drug addiction. Jones has lead sex addiction support groups and says he’s even been to the facility Woods was treated at. “He has been in treatment, he will be in a continuous treatment program,” Jones said. “He has owned that for himself with the statement that he gave today.” Jones said the PGA golfer’s scandal has helped bring awareness to sex addiction as a disease. It fits the definition because both men and women have had their lives destroyed from the compulsion. “If they’re putting hours — for instance on porn, on the Internet, and taking time, spending money, taking time away from their family, from their own personal needs — then they’re probably addicted. But there are other health professionals who do not recognize sex addiction as a disease. A handbook published by the American Psychiatric Association, the DSM, acknowledges drug and alcohol addiction, but excludes sex addiction as a diagnosis. However, Jones points out there is a version that includes sexual compulsivity. Jones said it’s important sex addiction is recognized, so the addicts can get the treatment needed. “If you can stop the behavior then, with time, with support groups, with therapy, you can change the behavior,” he said.