A Light in the Dark

The Hidden Legacy of Adult Children of Sex Addicts

De: Kenneth M. Adams PhD, Mary E. Meyer PhD LMFT, Culle L. Vande Garde LCSW

Narrado por: Ann Sprinkle, Derek Dysart

Adult children who grew up with a parent who had a sexual addiction are left confused, ashamed, and mistrustful regarding the feelings and boundaries surrounding sex, love, and intimacy. Due to the inappropriate sexual behavior of one parent, and the subsequent impact of betrayal on the other parent, these adults carry sexual secrets, have divided loyalties, and are often caught in the middle of their parents' struggles. Having witnessed (or known of) affairs, walked in on a parent masturbating or viewing pornography, received extreme or shameful messages regarding sexuality or gender, experienced sexualized remarks about their bodies, been neglected as a result of the addiction, or were modeled extreme moral values (either too permissive or shaming), these adult children of sex addicts (ACSAs) struggle with their sexuality and longings for love.

ACSAs have not had their stories told in any significant way in the recovery literature. Intergenerational trauma is transmitted through the legacy of carried sexual shame—the burden of which is not theirs. A Light in the Dark offers hope for unburdening ACSAs by sharing the experiences of others, as well as examining the characteristics, roles and recovery that point toward the freedom and joy they rightfully deserve.

©2023 Kenneth M. Adams, PhD, Mary E. Meyer, PhD, LMFT, and Culle L. Vande Garde, LCSW (P)2023 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

How my family activities were different than what they did and what they taught.

It is amazing and healing. It it helps with self identity and setting boundaries as well as healthy relationships and meaningful sexuality.

EYE-OPENING & LIFE CHANGING

I read one of Kenneth Adams’ other books, Silently Seduced, about four years ago and it was incredibly revelatory for me at a time when I was questioning my father’s inappropriate relationship with me and my mother’s loathing for me. I have since read many books regarding the dysfunction, harm, wounding and deep pain I believe came from my family of origin, however, this book, A Light In The Dark, encompassed everything I experienced throughout my lifetime as the adult child of sex addicts. My husband also found his parents and his experiences described in great detail in this book. This book has opened up a new world for my husband and has made a major positive impact on our relationship.

Girl and boy

I like that it’s both women and men telling their stories . On how their healing happen