Some times I just do not have anything I can come up with when doing our blog. So this time I wanted to share an article with you that I saw from a group called Way 2 Hope. We are often asked if pornography is an addiction. We think this article does a pretty good job of pointing some things out.
What Does Addiction Have To Do With Porn?
So, what does addiction have to do with pornography…after all, pictures aren’t drugs. Actually, pornography produces more powerful drugs than anything you can get from the doctor or the street vendor. When we become sexually aroused, our bodies begin producing the most powerful drugs ever known. Endorphins work like heroine, soothing and relaxing us. Adrenalin works like crack, preparing us to fend off competition for the attentions of our mate. As these drugs build in your system Phenylethylalanine (PEA) is added to produce the rewarding feelings you get at and after climax.
Looking at sexually explicit pictures triggers this normal sex-drive and redirects away from normal sexual relations. This actually increases the guilt and adds another Resulting emotion…shame, due to the social stigma surrounding unusual sexual behavior. So, you can see, viewing sexually explicit pictures has everything to do with drugs and is at least as addictive as a needle full of heroine
How Do I know If I’m Addicted?
Where do we draw the line between viewing pictures and addiction? Many people say an action isn’t addiction unless it interferes with your life. Though this is technically correct, it leaves too much room for interpretation…or denial.
Answer the following questions honestly to yourself:
Am I doing more of this than I was a year ago?
Is more than 50% of my computer Spam about pornography?
Do I use pornography to enhance or spark sexual interest in my partner?
Do I prefer Pornography to normal sexual relations?
Have I tried to quit and failed?
If your answer to any one of the above questions was “yes” you’re probably addicted to pornography.
What Do I do To Recover?
With drug addiction, you can check into a detox facility, stay away from the drugs and drug people, join a 12-step group and have a good chance to stay clean. With sexual addictions, the drug supply is manufactured by your body, you can’t get away from it. This requires far more time, mental discipline and determination to recover. Every sexual thought must be opposed and replaced by an uplifting one. Sometimes, complete sexual abstinence is required for as long as it takes to restore a normal sex drive. It’s essential to have someone to be completely accountable to and honest with, so you can discuss your temptations and get advice. Once you’re serious about recovering, there are many places to get help. The most important step is to admit the problem and decide to get help.
I want you to know there is someone who can help, who loves you and wants only the best for you. That someone is God. If you want help from God.
If you are looking for more information please check out our resources section on the X3 Church site.
If you are looking for a way to break free from this addiction check out X3 Pure a 30 day online program.
If you are a wife and are looking for a place to turn for help or some one to talk to who understand what you are going through check out Partners for Purity.