Out of the Shadows

Sexual addiction takes many forms, from obsessions with pornography and masturbation to engaging in voyeurism, cybersex, affairs, sex with strangers, incest, and rape. Though solitary forms of this addition may not be overtly risky, they can be part of a pattern of distorted thinking and identity conflict that can escalate to involve harming the self and others. The defining elements of this kind of addiction are its secrecy and escalating nature, often resulting in diminished judgment and self-control. Carnes's thinking is intellectually sound, his writing seamless. The somber tone of Janet Fontaine's excellent reading is a good fit for the material, which has the quality of a compassionate cautionary tale. This superb audio presentation will be useful to ordinary listeners, graduate students, and all types of health professionals. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine