Was NXIVM Created to Feed Keith Raniere’s Sex Addiction?
Keith Raniere has made headlines recently with more details surrounding his sexual exploits coming to light. Speculation has come about as to whether he suffers from a legitimate sexual addiction, and while many would agree this is the case we seem to be looking at a more sinister issue.
Raniere founded NXIVM, one of the largest sex cult scandals ever. The group has been making headlines as its players are being sentenced in federal courts for sex trafficking and other related crimes.
Raniere said his business, NXIVM, offered personal growth. However, as details continue to emerge from people who fell victim to his scheme, news outlets and members have become increasingly concerned that his group instead boasts the markings of a sex trafficking cult. Among the most concerning reports is Raniere using mental manipulation to quiet sex prisoners he obtained under the guise of “students.”
“Smallville” television actress Allison Mack proved an able accomplice. Raniere paid her to funnel women into a secret society he operated called DOS. The women worked small jobs and served as sex slaves.
Notables aplenty became caught up in the federal bust of NXIVM. The granddaughter of a Yugoslavian princess appears in a Starz documentary. In the documentary, royalty India Oxenberg shares her story of being victimized by Raniere.
HBO’s “The Vow” also thrust the story into the spotlight, claiming that America is obsessed with sex and this story is symptomatic of a deeper issue.
Still, shaming comes with promiscuity. That makes it difficult for people to seek treatment for sex addiction.
Left untreated, sex addiction may spiral out of control. For Raniere, it led to life in prison.
Busted by the Feds for Sex Trafficking
The Raniere conviction came last year. A judge sentenced him to 120 years in prison on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
Actress Mack says she was “lost” when she became involved with NXIVM. She also has pleaded guilty to racketeering and is awaiting sentencing. She remains free on $5 million bail.
What is NXIVM?
NXIVM put on the face of a legitimate company, hosting seminars which promised to teach true happiness.
The seminars also served to isolate potential DOS followers.
Nancy Salzman became Raniere’s first NXIVM “student.” A psychiatrist skilled in hypnosis, she co-founded the company with Raniere in 1998.
Manipulation and intimidation in NXIVM seminars were subtle. Raniere and Salzman had students call them “Vanguard.” People who played the popular 1980s video game by the same name collected points by destroying their enemies.
Salzman pleaded guilty to racketeering and conspiracy. She has remained out of jail on $5 million bail.
Is Keith Raniere a sex addict?
If Raniere is a sex addict, his pathologies don’t stop at sex addiction. A master of mind control, Raniere’s intentions were to imprison and enslave. That demonstrates psychosis and wickedness, not sexual addiction.
Raniere convinced these women that they comprised an elite sisterhood. But his motivation wasn’t simply derived from sex. He seemed to find joy manipulating the women.
This implies an issue deeper than sex addiction.
“A master of mind control, Raniere’s intentions were to imprison and enslave. That demonstrates psychosis and wickedness, not sexual addiction.”
What is sex addiction?
According to a study on sexual behaviors published in Psychiatry, sexual insatiability becomes addiction when it adversely impacts your life.
Research into sex addiction only recently has begun to pick up the pace. Sex addiction is not listed in the DSM manual of mental disorders, but certain fetishes are.
What sexual behaviors are considered mental disorders?
There are eight sexual behaviors listed in the DSM, the manual mental health professionals use to make diagnoses. They are: Exhibitionism, voyeurism, pedophilia, sexual masochism, sexual sadism, transvestic fetishism, fetishism, and frotteruism.
Sex frequency does not make addiction; consequences do
Some people enjoy their fetishes and do not suffer symptoms of dysfunction. This indicates a comfortability and healthy relationship with sexual interests. Alternatively, others end up stricken with health or legal consequences as a result of their sexual proclivities.
The Psychology Behind Cults: How people are brainwashed
Women entering the sisterhood of DOS, or Dominus Obsequious Sororium, underwent extensive mental manipulation.
Dominus Obsequious Sororium is Latin for “Master over slave women.”
DOS women tolerated brutal branding rituals while blindfolded. Brands, or scars on their bodies made from a cauterizer, served as property stamps for Raniere.
After this information came to light, many find themselves asking why anyone would continue to associate with Raniere and NXIVM after suffering this type of treatment.
The trailer for HBO’s “The Vow” offers an explanation. “Nobody joins a cult. They join a good thing.”
“Cult victims believe they are serving a higher purpose. In the case of NXIVM, the higher purpose was ultimate happiness.”
Was NXIVM created to satiate Raniere’s sex addiction?
Raniere created NXIVM not only to recruit sex prisoners but also to widen his financial resources. Because of this, he was able to find a way to fund his empire of sexual exploitation to unprecedented heights.
What Raniere did transcends the usual dysfunction associated with sex addiction. After all, most people afflicted with sexual disorders do not find themselves with lengthy prison sentences.
While some miss work or family obligations in attempts to fuel their sexual habits, NXIVM cleared those hurdles for Raniere. He was able to create a self sustaining system in which his fortune was fueled by sex, and the more money he made, the larger his resources for sexual gratification grew. This is akin to an alcoholic being paid to drink.
Raniere’s Trial and Conviction: What You Should Know
Had Raniere not been caught, NXIVM would still be operating today. Thankfully, the bust was massive and the sentencing harsh.
Raniere never expressed remorse about his sexual appetite or how he fed it. Even from prison, he has tried to keep NXIVM alive. In fact, his supporters still dedicate time to protesting his conviction outside the detention center he resides in.
It is difficult to imagine that Raniere ever would have admitted to sex addiction. He still considers himself not guilty of any crimes.
Get Your Sex Life Under Control at Silicon Beach
In Raniere’s case, it is doubtful he created NXIVM solely to feed his sex addiction. He embraced policies that demeaned his students. He showed no respect for their freedom. He manipulated them every step of the way.
Most people aren’t like Raniere. Most people who suffer from sex addiction want help. They are not out to hurt others.
Silicon Beach Treatment Center can help the sexually addicted. Rehab in LA isn’t just for substance abuse.
In Los Angeles, sober living can mean a lot of things. Everyone picks their poison. Sex can be one of them.
There is a way out for those suffering from sexual addiction. If you would like to learn more about your options, consider undergoing a sexual detox in Southern California.
