Patrick Carnes

Patrick Carnes
Born 1944
Citizenship American
Education PhD
Occupation Counselor

Patrick Carnes (born 1944) is a leading proponent of the viewpoint that some sexual behavior can be seen as an addiction.[1] It was he who put sex addiction on the map.[2]

Education and career

Carnes received a Ph.D. in counselor education and organizational development from the University of Minnesota in 1980. He was awarded the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award of the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH), formerly known as National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity (NCSAC). Each year, SASH bestows a Carnes Award to deserving researchers and clinicians who have made outstanding contributions to the field of sexual medicine.[3]

He has worked in the field of sexual addiction in a number of other capacities, i.e. clinical director for sexual disorder services at The Meadows in Wickenburg, Arizona, editor-in-chief of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention (official journal of the National Council of Sexual Addiction/Compulsivity), board member of the National Council of Sexual Addiction/Compulsivity organization, advisor on the national advisory board of the American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders.[4] Carnes is the Founder and Senior Consultant of the Gentle Path at The Meadows program located in Wickenburg, Arizona.[5]

Theories and criticism

Carnes attributes the source of the addictions to the addict's belief system. He believes that a fundamental momentum for the addiction is provided by "certain core beliefs" that are wrong or incorrect. "Generally, addicts do not perceive themselves as worthwhile persons. Nor do they believe that other people would care for them or meet their needs if everything was known about them, including the addiction. Finally, they believe that sex is their most important need. Sex is what makes isolation bearable. If you do not trust people, one thing that is true about sex – and alcohol, food, gambling, and risk – is that it always does what it promises--for the moment. Thus, as in our definition of addiction, the relationship is with sex – and not people."[6]

Carnes believes that at least 40% of female Internet users engage in problematic cybersex.[7]

Carnes' idea of sexual addiction is controversial.[8] Carnes acknowledges that "The term sexual addiction does not appear in DSM-IV. In fact, the word addiction itself does not appear."[9] He continues, saying that "Each edition of this book represents a consensus at the time of publication about what constitutes mental disorders. Each subsequent edition has reflected changes in understanding. The DSM’s system is, therefore, best viewed as a 'work in progress rather than the 'bible'."[9]

Books

References

  1. ↑ Goleman, Daniel (October 16, 1984). "Some Sexual Behavior Viewed as an Addiction". The New York Times. p. Cl, C9. Retrieved 2012-11-15.
  2. ↑ http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-stories-behind-sex-addiction-16-11-2008/ 2008 CBS News article
  3. ↑ http://www.GentlePathMeadows.com Carnes biography in a treatment center site
  4. ↑ http://www.hazelden.org/OA_HTML/hazAuthor.jsp?author_id=399&item=864 Biography of authors, Hazelden list
  5. ↑ http://www.GentlePathMeadows.com
  6. ↑ Patrick Carnes. 2001. Out of the shadows: understanding sexual addiction, Hazelden: Center City, MN. p. 16
  7. ↑ http://globalnews.ca/news/215062/sex-addiction-on-the-rise-more-women-than-ever-affected/
  8. ↑ Dennis Thompson. The 'Reality' of Sex Addiction Stirs Debate // Healthday News, May 12, 2010.
  9. 1 2 "Understanding Sexual Addiction" (PDF). SIECUS Report. The Debate: Sexual Addiction and Compulsion (ProQuest Academic Research Library) 31 (5): 5. June–July 2003. Retrieved 2012-11-15.
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