Where can I get support for sexual addiction/compulsive behaviour in the UK?

August 20, 2009 8:09 AM

Where can I get support for sexual addiction/compulsive behaviour in the UK apart from paying for a therapist or joining a 12 step programme?

I have a problem with sexual addiction which seems to happen only some of the time, maybe because of physical or mental changes.

It can lead to dangerous behaviour, or at best a big waste of time and energy.

I can't afford a therapist, and I feel the 12 step programmes are not right for me because I don't feel it's realistic or desirable for me to give up all extramarital sex or kinky activity.

What I could really do with is someone to call when the problem comes on to help get me through the moment.

The samaritans helpline say it's not really what they do.

Any advice?

You could email me at anonymammal---@--gmail-----.-----com take out the dashes ---

Thanks

posted by anonymous to human relations (5 comments total)

Have you spoken to your GP?

Advice from the NHS.
posted by ninebelow at 8:22 AM on August 20

Seconding your GP. That's what they're there for - to advise you on all physical and mental problems & either help you or let you know where to get help.
posted by different at 9:04 AM on August 20

Are you sure SLA groups in the UK demand you give up all extramarital sex and kink? Most 12 steps demand honesty, so if your extramarital= sneaking around, they might, but I'm skeptical about the rest.
posted by small_ruminant at 9:33 AM on August 20

Follow-up from OP "I realise now that it seems as if I'm married and cheating. What I meant by extramarital sex is that the 12 step groups only promote sex within a relationship and I'm single and don't believe that."
posted by jessamyn at 9:41 AM on August 20

I wouldn't be able to live with that either! Most 12-step meetings have a "take what you like and leave the rest" plus they're free, so might be worth checking some out. I don't have SLA-specific experience but for chemical addictions and Al-anon there are online forums that talk about a lot of different recovery programs- not just 12-step. I'll nose around.
posted by small_ruminant at 9:50 AM on August 20