A Female Sexaholic? Help for a Sex Addict’s Husband

If the situation is reversed and the pastor’s wife is sexually addicted, he probably feels totally alone. After all, who has ever heard of a female sexaholic? This pastor can probably relate to the principles outlined here for wives of pastors who are sex addicts. He may wonder about his virility. He may fear the impact his wife’s secret could have on his ministry should it be discovered. Perhaps he, too, covers up for her, fears she will leave him, or feels responsible for her behavior. He is probably obsessed with his wife’s activities. This pastor can follow the same plan outlined for female co-addicts:

• Talk with someone about his situation. He has no obligation to keep his wife’s secret.

• Get help for himself, even if his wife will not get help.

• Connect with other partners of addicts through groups like Al-Anon^® or S-Anon^®.

A chapter in No Stones: Women Redeemed From Sexual Shame is devoted to male co-addicts and addresses the problem of sex addiction in women.

Marnie C. Ferree, m.a., Nashville, Tennessee