Women, Sex, and Addiction

As an addictions counselor who specializes in women's issues, I have found this book amazingly insightful into the addictive and co-addictive experience of women. Everyone I know who has read this book considers it no less than pheomenal (and often times a life-saver). It should be required reading for any woman in recovery. Even those who initially identify themselves as "only" abusing alcohol/drugs/food have found their core issues reflected in this book. Substance abuse is simply a more socially acceptable mask to hide issues of unhealthy sexuality. People don't ususally talk about these core issues, even with a counselor. Sometimes you have to read this kind of information privately first and assimilate it at your own pace before you are ready to discuss it with another human being. This is a great book to read to get that work started.

I really enjoyed this look at sexual addiction and codependency in women, and how the two are intertwined. Indeed, I enjoyed the entire holistic approach to these twin problems. Much of what Dr. Kasl said really hit home, and I found I gained a lot of insight into my own problems. I also liked that this book treated sexuality as a friend, and something to be treasured. It's too easy for people in recovery from sexual addiction and codependency to ignore their sexual side altogether, and that is a dangerous place to be. This book should be required reading in sexual addiction 12-step groups, for both men and women.

"Women, Sex, and Addiction" is the best book on addiction for women that I've ever read,(...). What I found especially unique and valuable about this book is that it looks at both sex addiction and sexual codependency (though I hate the term) and shows the reader how the two extremes share essential core belief systems. Unlike other well-known sex addiction experts, Kasl does not rush to judge or label anyone. Both partners of sex addicts and sex addicts will find this book extremely useful in their recovery. Men who are recovering from sex addiction or who are partners with sex addicts can also find a great deal of insight in this book. This book takes a holistic view of women, sex, and addiction, tying together issues such as depression, food, alcohol, sex, societal oppression, spirituality, body image, and low self-esteem so that a person can look at their recovery as a whole journey of discovery, not discrete steps or programs for women who struggle with substance abuse, multiple addictions, relationships, etc.Many women who find themselves struggling with their own addictions and the addictions of loved ones (particularly sex addiction, obviously) will find this book incredibly valuable. I found myself appreciating Charlotte Kasl's intelligence and honesty throughout. While somewhat disjointed in chapters wth personal stories, the writing overall is excellent. She is one of the few sex addiction experts who is willing to include stories about people for whom the 12-step model was not a perfect fit for recovery, and she is courageous enough to publicly admit some of the weaknesses of the 12-step model while acknowledging its value to many people as well. She interviews many women in both SAA and COSA who come from diverse backgrounds and have varied experiences with these and other 12-step programs. I am so, so grateful that this book is here for me and other people struggling with addictions!

"Women Sex & Addiction" is not a feminist, man hating book. It is an exquisitly written book based on the experience of many people with a refreshing and accurate description of codependency. It offers an alternative thought process to the 12 step programs, which rarely address the true level of struggle within people. AA is primarily for alcoholism, but alcoholism is only a symtom of what goes on inside. If you try to talk about what you really feel at an AA meeting you are told that you suffer from self pity or that you need to "poop or get off the pot", which is an inadequate solution to anything. This book invites you to look at the real struggle in life, which is the search for love and power. If you are a woman you often have to prove yourself and power seems elusive. I am not a feminist but as a woman I have been treated unfairly all my life merely because I am female. In terms of being human, this book addresses the search for love through sex, drugs & codependency. Many; male & or female have had sex under the guise of "love" or under the need for connecting with another, despite the fact they know the end result will be unfufilling. These are real issues. Not only does this book cover these critical topics it also touches on bulemia, anorexia, lesbian, homosexual & the male-female power struggle. My favorite section is the discussion of relationships and the light factor. The density of the personality of people we choose to spend time with, how it affects us and possibly the need to let go of some.Lastly, the book provides some couragous steps for changing. An appropriate ending to an awe- inspiring and enlightening book that I thank the author for having the insight to write. Please write more on the recovery process Charlotte, I need more. With thanks.

Women, Sex, and Addiction is so packed with insight and wisdom that it is to be consumed in small sips so that it may be absorbed completely into ones consciousness. WSAA, along with therapy, has brought me through co-dependency to a life of hope and light. Charlotte Kasl, in her compassion and wisdom, speaks to the mind and heart, and inspires us to be the children of light we are at our core. I believe that everyone should read this book if they desire insight into human behaviour and the complexities of relationships. What I especially value is Kasl's weaving of her own personal responses and experiences into the tapestry of the odyssey of her clients. She demonstrates great humility, integrity, and compassion in her writing__as well as in-depth knowledge as a practicing therapist.