SEX ADDICTS NEED THERAPY, NOT SHAME

As someone who is nationally certified as a sex addiction therapist
and who has worked with the families of addicts for some 20 years, I
would like to commend the Journal Star for its opposition to the
policy of "shaming" prostitutes' customers by posting their arrest
photos on the Internet.

Many of the people involved in this kind of behavior are addicted to
sex. Addiction of any kind is not a choice. It is a brain disorder,
just like other mental illnesses. This is not said in any way to
excuse the addict, but only to help explain why they do this kind of
aberrant, criminal activity.

On their own they cannot stop. What they need to help them stop is
not public shaming, but professional help from certified therapists,
combined with 12-step meetings and a sponsor, just like the court
system now does with drug addicts.

Shaming addicts will only produce two results:

1. Create a need for them to even more desperately seek out the same
behavior in ever more clandestine and destructive ways, including the
possibility of suicide.

2. Cause indescribable pain and humiliation for their families,
particularly the children of these addicts. This kind of family
shame/disgrace can then lay the groundwork for developing a home
environment that makes it easier for these same children to become
involved in alcohol, drugs and sexual promiscuity themselves.

The souls of addicts are already filled to overflowing with
self-hatred. Instead of passing that profound heartache onto their
children, get these people help. And here's the good news: never
before has this kind of help been as available as it is now.

Ted Wolgamot

Peoria