my life, when i couldn't stop. >> reporter: each year, thousands like samantha, a married mother of two, seek help at treatment centers, which usually involve education, individual and group therapy, even a 12-step program. >> i had an affair. actually had two affairs. and i hid them very well. my husband had no idea. >> reporter: and this has become the information superhighway of temptation. >> it allows for early access, affordable access, and anonymous access. the internet has caused a huge boom in our business, unfortunately. it's the crack cocaine of sex addition. >> reporter: but for some, the lack of judgment is so breathtaking. keeping a mistress in your home. pursuing an intern in the oval office. sending pornographic pictures of yourself online. is there something more to it? one offender suggests, ego and power. >> i think i did something for the worst possible reason.