Breaking the Cycle Book Summary - Breaking the Cycle Book explained in key points
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Breaking the Cycle summary

George N. Collins Andrew Adleman

Free Yourself from Sex Addiction, Porn Obsession, and Shame

4.2 (46 ratings)
19 mins

Brief summary

Breaking the Cycle explores the cycles of addiction and provides practical tools for recovery. It offers guidance for breaking free from destructive patterns and creating a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Table of Contents

    Breaking the Cycle
    Summary of 6 key ideas

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    Key idea 1 of 6

    Identifying sex addiction

    Super Bowl halftime couldn’t come fast enough for Bob. He was already on his way to his home office before the teams left the field, informing his wife he had an urgent business call to make.

    Sitting comfortably in his office chair, he navigated to his favorite porn site, found a video and pulled down his trousers. The office door swung open just as Bob was climaxing to the image of a woman being dominated by three men. Bob’s wife had caught him twice before, but this time it was his ten-year-old daughter.

    Bob’s marriage didn’t recover. After the split he could only see his daughter under the supervision of a child protection officer. To add to his pain, his daughter had to endure over four years of therapy.

    Not everyone will suffer the same consequences as Bob, but there’s an underlying principle that links all sexually compulsive behavior. When sexual impulses start to dominate your thoughts and interfere with other aspects of your life and relationships, you’re going down the path of addiction.

    Sexual desire is a valuable part of a wholesome life that includes intimacy with a partner. Sex just for the sake of it can be okay, but sex addicts have a tendency to objectify everyone from friends and colleagues to waiters and random strangers.

    The sex addict is only interested in the orgasm. They’ll jack off to porn videos and magazines or get stimulated in chat rooms, strip clubs and glory holes rather than invest in real intimacy with a real person.

    Sex should be an enjoyable and liberating experience, but even addicts will admit that their behavior is anything but liberating. There’s always a feeling of shame and low self-esteem after the act.

    You tell yourself it’ll stop, but it happens again and again and again. Getting out of that loop isn’t easy, but as many former addicts can testify, it’s certainly possible. Now you know what it is you’re dealing with, you can start your journey toward recovery.

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    What is Breaking the Cycle about?

    Breaking the Cycle (2011) outlines a series of tried and tested exercises that widen the gap between sex addicts and their compulsive sexual behaviors. Sticking to these techniques builds confidence in sex addicts to move on from their obsession toward a richer life that prioritizes their wellbeing and relationships.

    Breaking the Cycle Review

    Breaking the Cycle (2014) delves into the complex world of addiction and provides a fresh perspective on recovery. Here's why this book is worth a read:

    • It offers a holistic approach to breaking free from addiction, combining personal stories, insights from experts, and practical strategies.
    • Peeling back the layers of addiction, the book explores the underlying causes and provides guidance on how to address them, empowering readers to make lasting changes.
    • With its honest and relatable tone, the book takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and resilience, making it an engaging and enlightening read.

    Who should read Breaking the Cycle?

    • People trying to overcome sex and porn addiction
    • People trying to understand the nature of sex addiction
    • Counselors or anyone trying to help a sex addict

    About the Author

    George N. Collins is the founder and director of Compulsion Solutions, a company that provides counseling services to sex addicts and their partners. Equipped with a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and the experience of having overcome sexual addiction himself, he’s a sought-after guest on local and international media. A Couple’s Guide to Sexual Addiction, a book he co-authored with his wife Paldrom Collins, helps couples restore intimacy in their relationships.

    Andrew Adelman is a writer and editor.

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    Breaking the Cycle FAQs 

    What is the main message of Breaking the Cycle?

    Breaking the Cycle teaches us how to break free from our addictive behaviors and live a fulfilling life.

    How long does it take to read Breaking the Cycle?

    The reading time for Breaking the Cycle varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Breaking the Cycle a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Breaking the Cycle is worth reading as it provides valuable insights and practical strategies for overcoming addiction.

    Who is the author of Breaking the Cycle?

    George N. Collins with Andrew Adleman are the authors of Breaking the Cycle.

    What to read after Breaking the Cycle?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Breaking the Cycle, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • Agile Selling by Jill Konrath
    • Make Your Mark by Jocelyn K. Glei
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