Addictions are serious. They're sad. They convey a person who is so attached to something that it becomes all-consuming. Research has shown that the brains of people who suffer from addictions are different than the brains of those who do not. Those people aren't weak; they are often genetically more prone to have addictive tendencies.

Unfortunately, people in St. Paul who have addictions often struggle with asking for the help they need. Sometimes, people who have addictions know they have problems, but they don't know how to change their lifestyle.

Recently, a man in that situation was arrested in a sex sting. His response? He thanked the police. The man was addicted to child porn, and getting arrested might be exactly what he needs to change his behavior.

According to prosecutors, the man had posted more than 115 messages on Craigslist soliciting sex. There are many people who post requests for bizarre sexual fetishes on Craigslist, and that is not illegal. However, when people are looking for sex with minors or "women who want to be raped," it changes the tone quickly.

The man drove across the city to have sex with two girls whom he thought were 6 and 11 years old. However, when he arrived at the home, he was arrested. He is now being held on a $750,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court Feb. 17.

If the man is working with an experienced criminal defense attorney, he may be able to get into a treatment program. In some situations, successfully completing rehab and probation can be enough to clear a person's criminal record. Given this man's attitude toward his arrest, that may be exactly what he needs.

Source: CBS Chicago, "Man 'Addicted To Child Porn' Thanks Cops For Arrest," Jan. 27, 2012