Eliot Spitzer: Sex addiction and powerful men!
Eliot Spitzer is just the latest example of a powerful man caught in a private and covert life of sexually charged behaviors. Is there a common thread between Roman Catholic priests, State Governors, Senators and other men in powerful positions acting out in sexually inappropriate manner?
Yes and No.
Yes, because they all display a public image of service and invite us to trust them with their confidence to do their job, while representing something "greater than themselves". A priest represents all that is good and moral, an elected public official represents justice and the common good. Another theme that connects powerful men with sex addictions are the need to compartmentalize their lives and therefore isolate the feelings/emotions associated with the addiction. Oftentimes a sex addict will vehemently deny their behaviors even with video evidence! Denial is, of course, a hallmark sign of any addiction. That is probably why Senator Larry Craig is insisting to keep his post as a senator despite the obvious scandal and embarrassment to his family, friends, staff and the public.
The "rush" that a sex addict gets is not unlike the high from most substances. The thoughts and feelings associated with the "danger" element is off the charts for these men. They know, whether a priest, a doctor, senator or governor that if caught, their life will be pure chaos! That is a kind of warped attraction for the sex addict...the thrill of not getting caught and the allure of possibly getting caught in the act.
No, since some of these men are not similar since they exhibit more predatory behaviors including: victim grooming, lack of empathy, targeting specific victims (e.g. children, vulnerable subordinates, etc.). The predator sex-addict is much harder to treat, since they usually have more of a anti-social personality. Others are more acting out of poor self-esteem/self-worth, repressed sexual identity, or impulsiveness. These two groups should be treated differently and actually should not be treated in the same group!
Overall, it appears that Eliot Spitzer could be classed in the second group. Despite his over-confident public appearance, he may have poor self-efficacy beliefs about himself and was unconsciously trying to "get caught" as a fraud and an addict. We shall see if he will seek treatment...btw, most sex addicts do not seek treatment without some external motivation.
Treatment is highly recommended for anyone caught in a sex addiction. It is recommended that the addict be admitted to a residential program to "retreat" from their stressors and triggers and be able to explore what is driving and maintaining such a destructive process in their lives, affecting their work, play and loved ones!
Recuperatio Primoris!
Dr. Bill Heran
CEO
Paradise Recovery
Honolulu, Hawaii
Yes and No.
Yes, because they all display a public image of service and invite us to trust them with their confidence to do their job, while representing something "greater than themselves". A priest represents all that is good and moral, an elected public official represents justice and the common good. Another theme that connects powerful men with sex addictions are the need to compartmentalize their lives and therefore isolate the feelings/emotions associated with the addiction. Oftentimes a sex addict will vehemently deny their behaviors even with video evidence! Denial is, of course, a hallmark sign of any addiction. That is probably why Senator Larry Craig is insisting to keep his post as a senator despite the obvious scandal and embarrassment to his family, friends, staff and the public.
The "rush" that a sex addict gets is not unlike the high from most substances. The thoughts and feelings associated with the "danger" element is off the charts for these men. They know, whether a priest, a doctor, senator or governor that if caught, their life will be pure chaos! That is a kind of warped attraction for the sex addict...the thrill of not getting caught and the allure of possibly getting caught in the act.
No, since some of these men are not similar since they exhibit more predatory behaviors including: victim grooming, lack of empathy, targeting specific victims (e.g. children, vulnerable subordinates, etc.). The predator sex-addict is much harder to treat, since they usually have more of a anti-social personality. Others are more acting out of poor self-esteem/self-worth, repressed sexual identity, or impulsiveness. These two groups should be treated differently and actually should not be treated in the same group!
Overall, it appears that Eliot Spitzer could be classed in the second group. Despite his over-confident public appearance, he may have poor self-efficacy beliefs about himself and was unconsciously trying to "get caught" as a fraud and an addict. We shall see if he will seek treatment...btw, most sex addicts do not seek treatment without some external motivation.
Treatment is highly recommended for anyone caught in a sex addiction. It is recommended that the addict be admitted to a residential program to "retreat" from their stressors and triggers and be able to explore what is driving and maintaining such a destructive process in their lives, affecting their work, play and loved ones!
Recuperatio Primoris!
Dr. Bill Heran
CEO
Paradise Recovery
Honolulu, Hawaii
Labels: addiction treatment, gambling addiction, sex addict, sexual addiction, signs of addiction
2 Comments:
Addiction treatment and recovery resources for the addict and their families. http://www.addictiontreatment.net
http://www.addictiontreatment.net
Dual diagnosis services are specially provided to personal attention of patient. They offer them standard therapy, assertive out reach, job and housing assistance, family counseling and money and relationship management.
http://www.addiction-treatments.com/
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