Sex addicts slack in coming forward for treatment

Massey University student Karen Faisandier. Photo / Graeme Brown

A researcher has been forced to offer cut-price therapy deals to Kiwi sex addicts to coax them into a study.

Massey University student Karen Faisandier appealed for 20 men over the age of 18 to take part in research into treatment for the problem, known as OCSB, or out-of-control sexual behaviour.

Faisandier, 30, told the Herald on Sunday she had plenty of inquiries and a number of volunteers had stepped forward. But she believed some men were put off by the price. Up to a dozen weekly consultations with a psychologist from Sex Therapists New Zealand cost $185 an hour. Faisandier has halved the fee after securing a $10,000 funding grant from a private trust.

She said she hoped the price reduction would encourage more men to come forward.

"We had a lot of initial interest and a number of men have signed up," she said. "But cost was a barrier and we still have room for more."

Faisandier, who has a doctorate in clinical psychology, was researching whether treatment reduced mens' out-of-control behaviour.

In 2010, she surveyed more than 600 men about their behaviour and its impact on relationships.

She found those with problematic sexual behaviour more likely to feel threatened by or anxious about intimate relationships.

She said her latest research was aimed only at people who genuinely wanted help.

An increasing number of males were becoming hooked on online pornography.

"In terms of addiction, the internet is the crack cocaine of sex," she said.

If you are a man, aged 18 or older, who thinks he has OCSB and can attend appointments in either Auckland or Palmerston North, contact OCSB@live.com.

The shame of being addicted to sex

Hit sex addiction movie Shame is screening in New Zealand and, for one recovering addict from Wellington, the condition is all too real.

The long-time married man, who asked not to be named, said he was hooked on sex with prostitutes for 20 years. He spent "many" thousands of dollars bedding hundreds of working girls.

"I first started visiting escorts as a teenager and thought it would all stop after I got married," he admitted.

"I did stay away from the scene for a while but before long I was back.

Brimming with self-loathing, he finally reached rock bottom. His wife eventually discovered his sleazy habit, but stood by him after accepting he had an addiction.

He attended a self-help group and has never looked back.