Welcome to Episode 1 of Mental Health Rewritten!

In our season-opening episode, we confront one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized topics in mental health: sex addiction.

Through the story of Daniel — a man whose professional success masks a deep internal struggle — we explore how compulsive sexual behavior impacts relationships, careers, and personal identity. 

Along the way, we challenge misconceptions about sex addiction, examine its clinical roots, and highlight the hidden pain it causes across gender lines and around the world.

 Featuring clinical insights from Havi Kang, Dr. Justin Dodson, and Dr. Alexandra Katehakis, alongside research from Mayo Clinic and YouGov, we uncover:

What defines sex addiction and compulsive sexual behavior

Why shame and secrecy make healing harder

How societal stigma silences both men and women

The global scope of this often-taboo disorder

Rooted in research from the DSM-5 and ICD-11, and grounded in real-world stories, Mental Health Rewritten opens conversations where silence once reigned.

 Tune in to hear how Daniel's journey toward healing begins — and how, together, we can start to rewrite the narrative about addiction, identity, and hope.

Listen now and subscribe for upcoming episodes exploring suicide, racial trauma, and more. Reminder: Mental health challenges are as real — and as serious — as physical ones.
If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to a mental health professional.

Mental Health Rewritten, created by the OWLS Education Company, in collaboration with The Ummah Collective Group, is hosted, written, and produced by Dominic Lawson.

Executive Producers: Kenda Lawson and Dr. Whitney Howzell
Cover Art: Alexandria Eddings of Art Life Connections

Some music was provided by DJ Krate Digga of The Mighty Sound Champz Crew

Referenced & Supporting Sources

Does Society Have a Sex Addiction Problem?
Mayo Clinic Health System
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/does-society-have-a-sex-addiction-problem

Is Sex Addiction a Real Disorder? Majority of Americans Believe It Is
Newsweek / YouGov Poll (2018)
https://www.newsweek.com/sex-addiction-real-disorder-majority-americans-believe-it-1037560

Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder in ICD-11
World Health Organization / ICD-11 Browser
https://icd.who.int/browse11/l-m/en#/http://id.who.int/icd/entity/1630268048

Why Sex Addiction Was Not Included in DSM-5
APA DSM-5 Task Force Discussion via Cleveland Clinic
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21934-sex-addiction

AASECT Position on Sex Addiction
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (2016)
https://www.aasect.org/position-sex-addiction

Brain Activity in Sex Addiction Mirrors That of Drug Addiction
Cambridge University Study (PLOS ONE, 2014)
<s