Deconstruction, disability, and sex addiction: Embracing the narrative perspective.

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Date
2002
Authors
Nixon, Gary
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Disability Research Centre
Abstract
The disease model of addictions has expanded from its original alcoholism base to include many substances and processes. Twelve step groups have flourished in North America. One area that has rapidly grown in the last twenty years is sexual addiction. The use of the disease model privileges the pathology discourse while focusing on deficits of clients, and ignoring context. A hidden discrimination can take place in which the sexuality of a disabled person is pathologized as "sexual addiction." Deconstructing the label of sex addiction and moving to an experience near approach such as narrative therapy can honor the notion that people are veterans of their own lives and respect the personal resources people have. A case study was presented to highlight the recruitment into the identity of a sex addict of a disabled person and the importance of deconstructing this label. The narrative therapy technique of externalizing the problem was used to show how the "sex addict's" story could be re-authored in an experience near way leading to new possibilities and opportunities.
Description
Permission granted by Val Lawton, Managing Editor, IJDCR to include article in the University of Lethbridge Institutional Repository.
Keywords
Sex addiction
Citation
Nixon, G. (2002). Deconstruction, disability, and sex addiction: Embracing the narrative perspective. International Journal of Disability, Community & Rehabilitation, 1(3).
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