EP21 Speech 18 - Complexities in Working with the Young Adult - Claudia Black, PhD

Working with the young adult with addictive disorders most frequently involves addressing the experience of bullying, physical and sexual abuse, emotional abandonment and loss. These dynamics are significant in addressing the more frequent co-occurring disorders of anxiety and depression. This presentation will also offer a framework for treatment strategies.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify five critical experiences that fuel mental health and addiction problems of young people
2. Describe the interaction of trauma and addiction
3. List eight core elements to a healthy treatment process

Outline: 

Session Overview

• Speaker reflects on a previous meeting with Dr. Daniel Amen and mentions a schedule conflict.

• Session will focus on working with partners of sex addicts in a 25-minute presentation.

• Emphasis on understanding effective therapy frameworks for treating sex addiction.

Impact on Partners

• A partner’s letter describes trauma, depression, and loss of self-worth after discovering her husband’s addiction.

• Partners experience deep emotional trauma, often rooted in family of origin issues.

• Key relational values—unconditional love, respect, and boundaries—are frequently violated.

Sex Addiction Cases

• Cases range from newly discovered infidelity to long-term deception.

• Consequences include financial strain and children from affairs.

• Behaviors: pornography, compulsive masturbation, anonymous sex.

• Distinction made between affairs and addiction, often linked to unresolved trauma.

Understanding Sex Addiction

• Defined as a pathological, progressive intimacy disorder.

• Core traits: obsession, preoccupation, escalation, continued use despite harm.

• Parallels drawn to substance addiction; both require intervention and recovery.

Trauma and Gaslighting

• Partners suffer recurring trauma, often experiencing gaslighting and confusion.

• Symptoms: intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, depression, emotional reactivity.

• Grounding and psychoeducation are vital early steps in healing.

Stabilization and Education

• Partners need space to tell their stories and have their experiences validated.

• Psychoeducation helps normalize reactions and clarify addiction's impact.

• Denial, minimization, and rationalization must be addressed for recovery.

Core Issues and Family History

• Phase two of treatment explores deeper patterns and family of origin links.

• Common physical effects: migraines, facial tics, stomach problems.

• Recognizing and healing core wounds is essential to partner recovery.

Q&A Highlights

• Polygraphs can be helpful but aren’t standard practice.

• Subtle trauma (e.g., emotional neglect) plays a significant role in addiction.

• Case discussion: hypervigilant behavior may reflect PTSD, not personality disorder.

Treatment for Singles and Co-Addiction

• Singles follow similar treatment plans, but lack relational practice.

• Addiction often coexists in both partners; both should be assessed.

• The family system should be treated as a whole when possible.

Resources and Closing

• Resources: Al-Anon, support groups for children and partners.

• Disclosing to children should be age-appropriate and honest.

• Group support, recovery routines, and honesty are essential.

• Final message: Recovery is possible through truth, self-respect, and connection.