Chemical Dependency and Intimacy Dysfunction

The failure to deal with social-sexual issues may impair the progress of recovery in a chemically dependent individual and his or her family. The failure to deal with sexual compulsivity in intravenous drug abusers may seriously impair our ability to deal with AIDS. The failure to deal with chemical dependence may render family therapy ineffective in the treatment of sex offenders.Despite the connection between chemical dependency and intimacy dysfunction, the intimacy concerns are rarely recognized in the diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare of the chemically dependent person and his or family. In this pioneering work, experts in the fields of chemical dependence and human sexuality provide professionals with information and skills to deal with intimacy dysfunction issues--offering hope for improving treatment and rehabilitation of chemically dependent individuals and their families. Typical intimacy dysfunctions are explored, as well as treatment methods and strategies that have proven to be effective. A valuable resource guide, this comprehensive volume addresses the key issues in the multidisciplinary approach to the study of chemical dependency and intimacy dysfunction.

Bruce Carruth

Contents Foreword - Preface - Introduction - Chemical Dependency and Intimacy Dysfunction: Inextricably Bound - Child Physical and Sexual Abuse Among Chemically Dependent Individuals - Marital and Relationship Problems Among Chemically Dependent and Codependent Relationships - Shame, Intimacy, and Sexuality - Assessment of Boundary Inadequacy in Chemically Dependent Individuals and Families - Women, Sexuality and the Process of Recovery - Sexual Orientation Concerns Among Chemically Dependent Individuals - Incest and Chemically Dependent Women: Treatment Implications - Identifying the Male Chemically Dependent Sex Offender and a Description of Treatment Methods - Sexual Compulsivity: Definition, Etiology, and Treatment Considerations - Treatment of Dependency Disorders in Men: Toward a Balance of Identity and Intimacy - Treating Intimacy Dysfunctions in Dyadic Relationships Among Chemically Dependent and Codependent Clients - Toward a Healthy Sexual Lifestyle Post Chemical Dependency Treatment - Intimacy, Aging and Chemical Dependency - Reference Notes Included