Pornography / Sex Addiction
"But he (Jesus) said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'"
Understanding Pornography and Sex Addiction
Porn is considered the "crack cocaine" of sex addiction. It is accessible, affordable, anonymous and highly addictive. It is characterized by out-of-control sexualized behavior despite sincere and persistent efforts to stop.
Holistic Approach to Pornography and Sex Addiction
Spiritual
2 Corinthians 12:9: "But he (Jesus) said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'"
Porn and sex addiction results in guilt and shame, yet God offers the alternative: grace, mercy and forgiveness!
Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Porn and sex addiction literally changes the chemicals of your brain, but God promises to renew it!
Romans 2:4: "Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?"
It's not judgment that leads us to repent; it is God's kindness! He understands the bondage and the trap you have fallen into. He loves you and wants you to come clean and be free!
Hebrews 4:15-16: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses."
Jesus was sinless, but he gets you, your pain, the temptation and your acting out. Approach him for mercy and grace in your struggle.
Psychological
Therapy
Porn and sex addiction are not just about sex; it becomes an escape and medication from our pain in an attempt to feel false intimacy. The drive to "use" is often rooted in past trauma and pain. Christ-centered therapy is essential.
Support Groups
You were never intended to heal in isolation. You need a safe community to keep you accountable, encouraged and loved.
Physical
Porn and sex addiction take a toll on our bodies. It is a full-time job to manage an addiction and live your life at the same time.
Internalized emotional pain leads to physical symptoms.
Prolonged hours of watching porn deprives you of sleep and robs your body and brain of its natural restoration process.
Pay attention to your body, especially when you are bored, hungry, angry, lonely or tired. These are times when you are vulnerable to acting out.
- Do you feel that your sexual behavior is not normal?
- Do you ever feel bad about your sexual behavior?
- Has your sexual behavior ever created problems for you and your family?
- Have you made efforts to quit a type of sexual activity and failed?
- Do you hide some of your sexual behaviors from others?
- Do you feel controlled by your sexual desire?
- Have important parts of your life ( such as job, family, friends, leisure activities) been neglected because you were spending too much time on sex?
- The internet has created sexual problems for me.
- I spend too much time online for sexual purposes.
- I have attempted to stop my online sexual behaviors.
- I have spent considerable time surfing pornography online.
- I have used magazines, videos or online pornography even when there was considerable risk of being caught by family members who would be upset by my behavior.
If you checked yes to several questions, please consider taking the full screening at www.psychology-tools.com/test/sast.
Request an Appointment with the CBU Counseling Center
If you you feel porn/sex addiction may be a problem for you, contact the CBUCC to help you process your struggles with a Christ-centered therapy approach.