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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Breaking the Cycle summary
George N. Collins with Andrew Adleman
Free Yourself from Sex Addiction, Porn Obsession, and Shame
19 mins
Brief summary
Breaking the Cycle by George N. Collins with Andrew Adleman is an insightful book that delves into the destructive cycles of addiction and offers guidance on how to break free and live a 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 (2003) is a powerful book that sheds light on the complexities of addiction and offers a path to recovery. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- With its insightful analysis of addictive behaviors and their root causes, the book provides a deep understanding of the struggle many face.
- Through personal stories and expert advice, the book offers hope and practical tools for breaking free from the cycle of addiction.
- By emphasizing empowerment and self-discovery, the book presents a new perspective on overcoming addiction that is both enlightening and motivating.
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
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Breaking the Cycle FAQs
What is the main message of Breaking the Cycle#?
The main message of Breaking the Cycle# is overcoming addiction through understanding its psychological roots.
How long does it take to read Breaking the Cycle#?
Reading time for Breaking the Cycle# varies but the Blinkist summary can be read quickly.
Is Breaking the Cycle# a good book? Is it worth reading?
Breaking the Cycle# is a must-read for those seeking insights into addiction's complexities, offering valuable solutions within a concise format.
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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- Work Smarter Not Harder by The Blinkist Team
- Mastery by George Leonard
- The Science of Getting Started by Patrick King
- LIT by Jeff Karp
- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
- Excessively Obsessed by Natasha Oakley
- Deep Work by Cal Newport
- How to Stop Procrastinating by Steve Scott
- Rewire by Nicole Vignola