How to Combat a Porn Addiction
Get SupportHow to Combat a Porn Addiction
Get SupportMillions of Americans visit pornography websites every day…
In fact, studies show more people access these sites each month than platforms like TikTok or Netflix. But it’s crucial to recognize that the consequences of pornography extend far beyond the issue itself.
How do we address a porn addiction?
While pornography might promise pleasure, connection, and satisfaction, the reality is, that it can often leave us isolated, ashamed, and empty. If you or someone you know is addicted to porn, please know you are not alone in the struggle. Our family is here to stand by your side, offering valuable tips and words of encouragement to help you face this challenge head-on.
There is Help
Before you take action against addiction, it’s important to understand the why. Why do you want to stop watching porn? Take some time to reflect on the benefits of saying no to your flesh. Is your addiction hurting your relationships? Do you feel distant from God? Is pornography impacting your ability to be intimate with your partner? Write down your reasons for giving up porn. Keep this list close by; it can serve as a source of motivation as you battle against pornography.
Get Care and Support
Our church has resources and networks to get you what you need. Connect with us to learn more.
There is Hope
Now it’s time to make a plan. First, pinpoint everything that triggers your desire to watch pornography. What sets it off? It could be a specific place, a particular time of day, certain images, specific people, or even certain social media channels.
Once you’ve identified your triggers, make a plan to steer clear of pornographic material at all costs. That might include removing any pornographic apps and sites from your electronic devices. You might also need to replace a bad habit with a new, healthier one. For example, consider going for a walk instead of sitting alone in front of the TV. Or, use your work laptop instead of your personal one if that helps you avoid temptation. Find the healthy coping mechanisms that work best for you.
Take Your Next Step in Recovery
By keeping our addictions hidden, we confine ourselves to our own strength alone. However, when you invite other people into your story, you can receive the support you need to overcome pornography.
Don’t let shame keep you from asking for help. Share your triggers with someone you trust and ask them to check in and provide a distraction when needed. You might consider consulting a professional counselor who specializes in addiction treatment.
Churches and Christian organizations also offer online and in-person faith-based recovery groups to help you in your journey against pornography. Trustworthy friends cannot only hold you accountable and encourage you, but remind you why you started this journey and celebrate how much progress you’ve made along the way.
What Does the Bible Say About Porn?
Unfortunately, pornography is not anything new. The Greek root word for pornography, “porniea,” which signifies sexual immorality, is mentioned several times in the Bible. God calls His people to honor Him with their bodies. When we give into the lust of our flesh, we choose our own desires over God. The warnings from God regarding pornography remain relevant even today.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 says, “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
God offers these warnings against sexual immorality to shield us from its detrimental impact on our mental and physical well-being, as well as our relationships. Pornography is addictive in nature (2 Peter 2:19) and has the potential to harm our connection with our spouse, impair our sex life, and even rewire our brains. Sadly, pornography often weighs us down with shame and keeps us hidden in secret sin (Psalm 32:3), decreasing our intimacy with God and others.
1 John 1:7 says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
God desires us to find freedom from the grip of our flesh. While viewing pornography may seem to imprison us, there is hope for those who accept God’s free gift of forgiveness. God is willing to help you overcome pornography by washing away your mistakes (1 John 1:9), filling your mind with Truth (Romans 12:1-2), and strengthening you by His Spirit (Ephesians 3:16).
Remember, nothing, not even a pornography addiction, can separate you from God’s love (Romans 8:31-39). There is no sin that is too big for Jesus to forgive.
How to Support a Loved One With a Porn Addiction
It can be very discouraging, painful, and emotionally draining to watch someone you love suffer from a pornography addiction. If you find yourself in this situation, the first step is to assess the signs that they have developed a porn addiction so you can provide better support.
Take a moment to consider how their addiction has affected their life: their relationships, sleep, health, stress levels, emotions, etc. Also, reflect on how their addiction is negatively impacting your life. These insights can be helpful when you talk to your loved one about their addiction.
When you’re ready to start that conversation, remember that what your loved one needs most is the love of Jesus. Approach them with humility, grace, and gentleness (Galatians 6:1). Be a good listener and try to withhold judgment or anger, just like you would want them to treat you.
If your loved one is open to taking the next step, you can help them join a support group or follow a treatment plan from a mental health professional. As James 5:16 says, there is great power when we confess our sins to another.
However, if your loved one isn’t ready to share their struggle with others just yet, keep praying for them. Entrust them to the ultimate Healer and continue to point your loved one toward the grace and love of their Heavenly Father. Your unconditional support can make a significant difference in their recovery.
offers groups tailored toward your specific needs. No matter what you’re facing, our support groups are designed to offer a safe, welcoming community where you can grow alongside those who understand what you’re experiencing. Don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here for you.