A Light in the Dark

The Burden of Shame Is No Longer Yours to Carry

Sexuality and intimacy are important ingredients in healthy, loving relationships. But sex addiction warps the experiences and, when the addict is a parent, can leave a cascading legacy of pain and trauma for generations to come. Adult children who grew up with a parent who had a sexual addiction are left confused, ashamed, and mistrustful regarding the feelings and boundaries surrounding sex, love, and intimacy. Due to the inappropriate sexual behavior of one parent, and the subsequent impact of betrayal on the other parent, these adults carry sexual secrets, have divided loyalties, and are often caught in the middle of their parents’ struggles. Adult children of sex addicts (ACSAs) struggle with their sexuality and longings for love and carry a burden of shame that is not theirs.

This groundbreaking book details the unique issues experienced by adult children who grew up with a sexually addicted parent and offers a path to unburden their shameful legacy and embrace sexuality and intimacy without the intrusion or constraints from the past. A Light in the Dark offers hope for unburdening ACSAs by sharing the experiences of others, as well as examining the characteristics, roles, and recovery that point toward the freedom and joy they rightfully deserve. Included is a journaling section for deeper reflection and understanding.