Cary Terra, LMFT

Sexual addiction can be described as a progressive intimacy disorder characterized by compulsive sexual thoughts and acts. Can you be a sex addict if you never “act out”? Yes. Now more than ever, many sex addicts live lives of obsessive fantasy – which makes having real relationships difficult or impossible. Without treatment, the disorder almost always gets worse over time.

The sex addict stereotype – the lurking, “creepy” type – is just that….a stereotype. Did you know that some sex addicts never exhibit behaviors beyond compulsive masturbation or fantasy? If you find yourself more and more dependent on pornography, feeling unable to stop, or concerned about your preoccupation with sexual thoughts and behaviors, call for help – the sooner you reach out, the better your odds for limiting the damage to your self, your relationships and your life.

Remember: sex addicts do not necessarily become sex offenders. Moreover, not all sex offenders are sex addicts. Since approximately 55% of convicted sex offenders can be considered sex addicts, and the addictive process is progressive, early intervention is crucial. Terra Therapy is here to help.

The National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity has defined sexual addiction as “engaging in persistent and escalating patterns of sexual behavior acted out despite increasing negative consequences to self and others.” In other words, a sex addict will continue to engage in certain sexual behaviors despite facing potential health risks, financial problems, shattered relationships or even arrest. These same individuals find themselves continually convincing themselves they are going to stop – day after day, year after year.

The level of sexual content the average American is exposed to through the media has dramatically increased. Perhaps related to this increase is the parallel increase in the number of individuals engaging in a variety of unusual or illicit sexual practices, such as phone sex, the use of escort services and computer pornography. More of these individuals and their partners are seeking help.

Is sex addiction different from other addictions, like gambling, or drinking? Yes. Because like eating, having sex is necessary for human survival, a basic human drive. Physiologically, humans have a strong desire for sex. This can make recovery complex. All the more reason to reach out for help….Terra Therapy is here to help you address your behaviors and thoughts and feelings – to heal, and find peace.

 

What is Gambling Addiction?

Are you concerned about your own gambling behavior?

Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling, is a type of impulse-control disorder. Compulsive gamblers continue to gamble, even when they are causing themselves or their loved ones harm.

Like any addiction, compulsive gambling is a progressive disorder. If you find yourself unable to resist the rush of gambling, despite unpleasant consequences, you may have a problem. Even if you’re not totally out of control, remember: it will get worse without treatment. Terra Therapy can help you address your behaviors AND thoughts and feelings – the triggers which lead you to take risks at any price.

How do you know if you have a problem?

Terra Therapy defines problem gambling as any gambling behavior that disrupts your life. If you’re preoccupied with gambling, spending more and more time and money on it, chasing losses, or gambling despite serious consequences, you have a gambling problem. Call Cary Terra, MFT for a confidential, 10-minute consultation on how you can start addressing the problem.

There are two types of compulsive or problem gamblers. While their behaviors are similar, they gamble for very different reasons:

• Action gamblers are addicted to the thrill of risk-taking. Gambling itself is their “drug.” They usually gamble with others, since part of the rush is beating the house or other gamblers. Action gamblers usually prefer games of skill, such as card games, craps, and sports betting. They may also play the stock market.
• Escape gamblers gamble to escape emotional pain, worries, and loneliness. Rather than gambling to feel a rush, they gamble to feel numb. Escape gamblers prefer more isolated activities such as slot machines, bingo, and online poker. They also prefer games that don’t require much thought, so they can "zone out."

What difference does it make what kind of gambler you are? Because the better you know yourself and your triggers, the better you can address how to stop. You CAN get help – at any stage of the addiction – and Terra Therapy is here to help.

Cary Terra, LMFT
License #46302