I've been able to help people overcome addiction because through approaches I developed, I overcame four addictions:

• a two- to three-pack-a-day smoking addiction

• overeating

• addictive gambling

• sex addiction.

I started smoking when I was nine. By 14, I was smoking a pack a day. Fifteen years later I was up to three packs a day, feeling miserable, and constantly trying to quit.

Stop-smoking programs had sprung up across the country and I was willing to try anything.

I carefully looked into programs offered by private industry, charities, government, and universities. My research showed they didn't help most of the people who used them.

But my research had done me some good because until then I had not thought of using a program to stop; my attempts had been to "just do it." So, out of desperation, I went to work developing a program for myself.

Then I applied it. For the first time in my life, I was confident I had actually stopped smoking and felt good about it.

I realized that other people would want the same experience. So, in 1975, I made my program available.

Hardcore smokers who had tried everything for years successfully stopped with my program. Some came back and asked me to help them with alcohol and drugs.

I developed a program for them. It was so effective, I still use it today.

Some of the people I helped with alcohol and drugs told me about their sexual problems. That was how I came to the realization I was sexually addicted.

That did not shock me. Actually, I was glad to have put a name to a problem I had been struggling with since my teens.

What stunned me was the realization that if I did not overcome my sexual addiction, I would lose my marriage.

My wife and I had been together since 1977. We still are - happily.

I told her about my sex addiction as soon as I discovered it. She didn't put any pressure on me or make any threats. But I realized that if I did not overcome my addiction I would lose her.

It took me years to discover the information needed to overcome sexual addiction. She stayed with me because she saw I was honest with her and working at it. Her decision paid off wonderfully for both of us, and I don't mean financially. I mean true love.

Since 1983 I have been helping other couples and individuals deal successfully with sex addiction. One of the most important things I can pass on to you is: sex addiction can be overcome.

Copyright Joe Zychik 1999-2008. Attn. Webmasters, students and researchers and everyone else: Please obey fair use laws. Thank you.