As part of a recent anti-pornography series, the Church News solicited readers' questions on the subject. This week experts answered some of the most frequently asked questions.

There are several things to consider when dating someone who is working on recovery from a sexual addiction. Foremost is a clear understanding that marriage will not solve the problem, experts say.

How do I know if I have a sexual addiction ?

Answer these questions:

• Do you ever feel bad or uncomfortable about your sexual behavior?

• Do you become restless or irritable when you are unable to engage in sexually related behavior?

• Do you ever feel guilt, remorse, or depression about your sexual behavior?

• Have you tried and failed to control the amount of sexual activity you engage in?

• Has your need for sexually related behaviors ever made you abandon your value system or go against your better judgment?

• Do you resort to pornography, or other sexual activities to escape from your problems, to relieve anxiety or cope with stress?

• Do you feel shame about your sexual activities?

• Do you feel a need to conceal from others either the nature or frequency of your sexual activities?

• Do you lead a secret or double life?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, you might have a sexual addiction. The good news is that you are not alone and there is help. — Todd Olson, a licensed clinical social worker and program director of the LifeSTAR network, which specializes in helping Latter-day Saints deal with sexual addictions.

You have given a lot of advice for those who are already married, and dealing with a husband's pornography addiction. What do you advise for those who are dating?

There are several things to consider when dating someone who is working on recovery from a sexual addiction. Foremost, is a clear understanding and acceptance that marriage will not solve the problem of sexual addiction and it will be something that will require time, attention and hard work within the marriage.

Another important guidepost is to evaluate the trust in the relationship. Has there been and does there continue to be complete honesty about the addiction? Is the person in recovery demonstrating accountability by disclosing slips as well as communicating openly about the addiction or does the partner have to bring up the topic or ask the right questions?

Because marriage does not fix an addiction there is no reason to rush into marriage. It is reasonable to expect progression toward sobriety as well as a sustained and continued effort in recovery which might include working with the appropriate priesthood leader, consistent attendance in a 12-step group, as well as individual counseling on the part of the recovering individual.

Becoming well-educated about sexual addiction is very important. Many women say, "He told me he was addicted before we were married, but I really didn't understand fully what that meant." Learn what it means.

Attend a 12-step group and talk with married women who are partners of men who are addicted. Meet with and have your partner's therapist teach you about addiction and what you can expect over time. Learn all that you can in order to make a well-educated choice that will allow you to be healthy in the relationship as well as supportive to an addicted partner.

Finally, evaluate whether the relationship is strong and spiritually based. Is there consistent prayer, scripture reading and fasting? Has there been a full disclosure made to the appropriate Church leader? Is spiritual guidance and support being sought after? Ultimately, healing from a sexual addiction is a gentle spiritual healing and entails great spiritual growth from both the person struggling with addiction as well as the partner. — Dorothy Maryon, a licensed professional counselor with the LifeSTAR Network, counselor of spouses of those addicted to pornography.

How can parents help an adult child who struggles with a pornography problem?

Living with anyone who has a pornography addiction is difficult but it is especially painful to watch one's child struggle. It is even more difficult when these children are adults and their progression toward happiness and family life is being greatly impacted by their continued use of pornography. As a parent of adult children with this problem you can do several things. One is to strongly suggest and encourage that the person get into treatment. Addiction thrives in secrecy and isolation. It is very difficult to overcome alone and for most individuals requires some outside help.

Be encouraging. Avoid condemning and shaming remarks. Individuals with this problem are not bad people but rather good people who have become enslaved by a very bad and pernicious compulsion. Talk openly about addiction with your adult child. Make the addiction the enemy and not your child and then join teams to beat the addiction.

As a parent seeks help, a good therapist can guide you in ways to be supportive as well as help you to identify ways that may be enabling or unhealthy coping strategies.

It's important to take care of yourself as the parent. Do things that are meaningful and renewing. Have fun. Your ability to be supportive to your children is closely related to your ability to take care of yourself.

Seek counsel from a loving Church leader. Find a friend or place where you can talk openly about your concerns and fears and find support. Finally, lay your burden at the feet of the Savior and find peace in His love for you and your children. — Dorothy Maryon, a licensed professional counselor with the LifeSTAR Network.