i-Stopped

The Biology Behind it

However you choose to say it, Pornography causes a chemical addiction, or, if you prefer, Pornography causes the body to release endogenous chemicals (epinephrine, testosterone, endorphins (endogenous morphine), oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin, phenylethylamine, and other pharmacological stimuli) which the viewer becomes addicted to.

Immediately, there are some in the scientific, medical and psychology fields who fire back, “How can you classify pornography as a drug or a substance? It doesn’t come in a liquid, powder or pill form. You don’t ingest it or inject it.”

My response is two-fold:

1.       When an individual ingests or injects a “drug,” that chemical travels to the receptors in the brain and other parts of the body, seeking to “mimic” the body’s own natural neurotransmitters. In effect, the drug tries to “fake” the body into releasing its own natural or endogenous chemicals. For example, Prozac triggers the body to release its own natural serotonin. Likewise, pornography “mimics” sexual intimacy and “fakes” the body into releasing a tidal wave of endogenous chemicals, which is exactly what pharmaceutical and illicit street drugs do. Can pornography not then be referred to as a “drug”?

2.      For those who insist on precision in the use of scientific terms such as “drug,” allow me to put your minds at rest. Can we agree that pornography viewing triggers the release of the body’s own endogenous chemicals, just as sexual intimacy does? And that the porn viewer can become addicted to these internal chemicals just as he would if the release were triggered by a pharmaceutical drug? Is this not chemically-induced addiction?

As renowned psychologist M. Douglas Reed states: Addiction [can] exist within the body’s own chemistry.¹

The bottom line is: “pornography is a drug.”

The mountains of clinical data and visual evidence as millions continue their out-of-control porn use despite consequences of divorce, loss of employment, destroyed reputations, prison time, etc., shouts the obvious: “YES, PORNOGRPAHY IS ADDICTIVE!” And just in case there are still out there a few stubborn hold-outs, research is currently being conducted by some of the world’s leading experts in the neuroscience and neuropsychology fields that will provide the clinical evidence required to officially enter sex and pornography as “addictions” in the DSM (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

Some cringe with labeling pornography as “addictive” because they believe doing so affords the porn user an excuse: “I can’t help myself, I’m addicted.” This is a preposterous position. When someone is addicted to alcohol, do we excuse his behavior because “he can’t help it?” Just because someone suffers with an addiction doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a choice.

Ref: http://candeocan.com

Many drugs, even innocent substances like coffee and tea, cause addiction can affect how we relate to God.

God hates the sin not the Sinner. I got strength through Christ my saviour. He is my one and only king, and I will praise and sing, everyday I He grow the hate that sin, sexual sin.

Read Psalms 91.

Many people view porn addiction in terms of black and white. You either have it or you don’t.

This approach, however, is not very practical. It forces most of the people to react by denying any form of porn addiction, until they are presented with undeniable facts, such as getting into legal trouble, or getting caught by their spouse or children.

In his book “Treating Pornography Addiction” Dr. Kevin B. Skinner suggests viewing addiction not in terms of black and white, but rather in terms of stages.

Stage 1. Mild exposure – once or twice a year, no affect on regular life.

Stage 2. Pornography use does not indicate addiction – occasional looking at pornography with increased interest.

Stage 3. Signs of trouble – person looks about once a month, usually tries to avoid, but occasionally urge get so strong that cannot be controlled, and person gives in.

Stage 4. Individual notices increased sexual fantasies, and attempts to control them, which results in stronger withdrawal symptoms.

Stage 5. Pornography impacting day to day living with significant portion of the day spend thinking about pornography.

Stage 6. Pornography dominates most of the day to day lives, affecting work, school, and personal relationships.

Stage 7. Pornography and acting out consumes most of individuals time, leaving him feeling completely out of control.

This “staged” definition of porn addiction is very practical, and it allows individuals to recognize the signs of trouble and begin seeking help prior to arriving to stage 7.

http://www.feedtherightwolf.org/2010/04/sex-addiction-working-definition.html

In Corinthian 6:12-20, Paul writes about Sexual morality and says “Our body is the temple of the holy spirit” so try to keep your mind clean. Fast of the eyes, ears and mouth against profanities and any form of immorality will begin the journey to your freedom.