Experts weigh in on Anthony Weiner sexting scandal

Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) leaves a press conference after admiting to sending a lewd Twitter photo of himself to a woman and then lying about it, at the Sheraton Hotel on 7th Avenue on June 6, 2011 in New York City. Weiner said he had not…
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Posted: 06/15/2011

By: Frank Eltman

GARDEN CITY, N.Y. - New York congressman Anthony Weiner says he is seeking professional treatment following a sexting scandal, but what exactly is wrong with him? Experts say the congressman's actions -- making electronic sexual contact with strangers -- mimic the characteristics of drug addicts, alcoholics or problem gamblers.

Robert Weiss, founder of the Sexual Recovery Institute in Los Angeles, says Weiner probably can't explain his actions because they are on some level inexplicable even to him. Says Weiss: "I have a lot of empathy for him. He really doesn't understand why."

Weiner hasn't said where he is getting treatment. If he's opted for a residential treatment facility, there are a handful of options, including a Mississippi clinic where Tiger Woods reportedly sought help for his litany of marital indiscretions.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Weiner isn't the only politician with a sex scandal. Click here to read about other recent political sex scandals.

And we can't forget about Tiger Woods. Click here for more on his scandal.