Recovery On the Spectrum

In this week's Sex and Intimacy Q&A, Dr. Rob Weiss answers participant questions about spectrum disorders, personality disorders, honest therapeutic disclosure, and the importance of involving qualified professionals in diagnosis and recovery. TAKEAWAYS: [1:08] What are the key differences between the compulsion of a sex addict and OCD? [6:08] The danger of self-diagnosing personality and mood disorders. [11:51] Is the treatment the same for hypersexuality and sex addiction? [16:50] How can my partner have an honest therapeutic disclosure if he doesn't remember what he did? [20:23] The importance of involving qualified professionals in recovery. [24:46] Am I dealing with a sex addiction or chronic cheating? [31:36] How does an addict come to recognize lying and omission of details? [37:46] Is it dangerous for my addicted partner to only communicate with their support group via text? [39:42] Key differences between addiction and co-occurring mental health issues. [42:00] Are all CSATs trained in therapeutic disclosure? [44:56] How can I support my friend on the spectrum with their addiction? [50:06] Is my partner ready for disclosure if he still has active accounts on sex and dating websites? [53:23] How can I set healthy boundaries against my partner's rage? [54:42] Can my addict partner stay separated from other addicts so they can't act out together? RESOURCES: Seekingintegrity.com Email Tami: [email protected] Sexandrelationshiphealing.com Intherooms.com Out of the Doghouse: A Step-by-Step Relationship-Saving Guide for Men Caught Cheating, by Robert Weiss Prodependence: Moving Beyond Codependency, by Robert Weiss Sex Addiction 101: A Basic Guide to Healing from Sex, Porn, and Love Addiction, by Robert Weiss Cruise Control: Understanding Sex Addiction in Gay Men, by Robert Weiss Seeking Integrity Podcasts are produced in partnership with Podfly Productions. QUOTES "At the end of the day, even people with obsessive compulsive disorders can get help." "Often the behavior looks manic, but it's really addiction." "Having one positive experience isn't going to drive long-term change." "There is zero downside to doing recovery work." "Stopping problematic behavior is just abstinence, it doesn't change your life." "Recovery isn't about stopping behavior. It's about integrity and doing the right thing."