Helping A Close Friend...

[Breaking]

I'm about to serve a mission. Been excited to get clean and give the tithe of my life to the Lord. There has been an issue I'd like to ask about though:

The Issue:

I have a female friend that I truly care the world about. Both me and her have dated to a degree, BUT she has a sex addiction. I only want the best for her... and I've overcome an addiction as well to serve. I want to help her the best I can, but I'll be gone in less than a week.

I suggested talking with the bishop, but the bishop has had his fair-share of flaws that doesn't help the cause. He has on many accounts leaked personal information to people that have no business on knowing the info.

What can I do? Who can she go to?

I understand that:

-Me being a male doesn't help

-She has to want to change on her own (Yes, I understand this)

-Being near her sometimes she tempts (I keep my distance)

As well understand that:

-Her parents are VERY critical

Advice?

[annewandering]

Is she seeking addiction help like the programs for SA? They are very similar to AA. If she is addicted then she is going to need help getting past that addiction more than what a bishop is going to be able to offer, not that she should not be seeing her bishop as well.

This is a mental illness and needs to be treated that way.

[pam]

You can take my advice for what it's worth. Your total concentration should be on getting ready for your mission and serving it with all your being.

I realize you care a lot of about your friend. All you can do is give her suggestions. She is the one that has to decide to act on them or not. The rest is up to her.

Edited November 26, 2011 by pam

[Breaking]

Is she seeking addiction help like the programs for SA? They are very similar to AA. If she is addicted then she is going to need help getting past that addiction more than what a bishop is going to be able to offer, not that she should not be seeing her bishop as well.

This is a mental illness and needs to be treated that way.

I suggested it as she still hasn't gotten over the embarrasment part. She has yet to tell her parents, bishop, or any priesthood with authority in the ward, stake, etc,.

You can take my advice for what it's worth. Your total concentration should be on getting ready for your mission and serving it with all your being.

I realize you care a lot of about your friend. All you can do is give her suggestions. She is the one that has to decide to act on them or not. The rest is up to her.

I am aware.... Is there something more that i could suggest...?

Edited November 26, 2011 by pam

[annewandering]

Apparently she needs to talk to the bishop since she hasnt. Put her name onto the prayer roll when ever you can. She can google for information on sex addiction including some for LDS people. There are online SA meetings and forums for LDS since she is embarrassed. She isnt alone with that addiction and they can help if she is willing to give it a try.

Here is a website you might pass along to her. Welcome to Heart t' Heart It is a 12 step recovery program based on the Book of Mormon.

Edited November 26, 2011 by annewandering

[Breaking]

Apparently she needs to talk to the bishop since she hasnt. Put her name onto the prayer roll when ever you can. She can google for information on sex addiction including some for LDS people. There are online SA meetings and forums for LDS since she is embarrassed. She isnt alone with that addiction and they can help if she is willing to give it a try.

I really hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the idea for the prayer roll.

[Anon16]

LDSAR.org is a very good website that she might want to check out. There are several women on there and it's completely anonymous. The people on there give very good advice.