Book excerpt: This resource identifies the stages and progression of sex addiction, including assessment, intervention, and treatment methods. Public humiliation, broken families, and ruined careers are just some of the tragic results when sex behavior is out of control. And as the media reports each new case, we ask ourselves the disturbing question, Why? In this sequel to Out of the Shadows, author and leading expert in the field of sex addiction, Patrick Carnes adds new insight and findings, building on his original descriptive framework. Stages and progression of the illness are identified. Family structure, bonding, and boundaries are examined in depth. Finally, assessment, intervention, and treatment methods are outlined, with the goal--and the hope--of ultimate recovery. A resource for therapists who treat those with sexual addiction as well as recovering addicts.