Online Habits
- While no information was found specifically in regard to the online habits of family members of porn/sex addicts, it was found that family members of addicts in general turn to online support groups for information and assistance, and these groups are growing.
Influencers
Attitudes toward their Relationship with the Addict
- For spouses of sex addicts, the addiction feels personally directed at them. This can cause spouses to struggle to trust their partners again.
- Additionally, many spouses of porn addicts struggle to have open communication with the addict, due to the addict not understanding the pain they have caused or being defensive.
Interest in Recovery Programs
- People deciding on recovery programs struggle with the costs of the program, the limited access/locations of programs, and the stigma associated with addiction.
Research Summary
Very limited information is available on the online habits and leading influencers specific to spouses/families of sex/porn addicts. However, there is more information on families/spouses of addicts in general. As such, further research should focus on family members/spouses of addicts in general.
Limited information is available on how spouses/families research and evaluate treatment programs, for both sex/porn addicts and for addiction in general. Therefore, we recommend focusing in general on how addicts and/or families research these programs and make these decisions.