How Do I Help Someone with a Porn Addiction?

The mind is a battlefield.

Christ knew this when he stated that not only committing sexual acts but also lusting after someone outside of marriage is a sin (Matt. 5:28).

Paul reminded us of the mercy of God. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Cor. 10:13 ESV)

In the current era of our highly wired society, people can view almost anything with just a few clicks of a button or a swipe of a finger. In our time, seeing images of a sexual nature is almost unavoidable it seems. Exposure to sexually charged material demands safeguards and an understanding of what constitutes pornography and an addiction to it.

Have you or anyone you know struggled with it? What are some steps you or a loved one can take to overcome an addiction to porn?

Addiction is usually recognized by an overwhelming desire for a substance or action and continued engagement with that activity or behavior no matter what the consequences might be.

Addiction is considered a chronic disease with the potential to impact a person’s physical and mental health.

Addiction has a major impact on social and emotional health as well. Common types of addiction are chemical substance abuse, compulsive gambling, sexual gratification, spending money, and even food.

Pornography is any form of media intended to cause sexual arousal or gratification through the depiction of explicit sexual activity or nudity. It can take many forms, including magazines, videos, websites, and more recently, virtual reality and artificial intelligence. While the definition of pornography can vary depending on cultural and individual factors, it generally includes material that is considered sexually explicit and that may be considered offensive or objectionable by some viewers.

The exact origins of pornography are difficult to pinpoint as depictions of sexual acts and nudity have existed in various forms throughout human history. However, it is widely believed that pornography as a distinct genre of visual media emerged in the mid-19th century with the invention of photography.

The first photographic pornography is believed to have been produced in France in the 1840s, and by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the production and distribution of pornographic materials had become a thriving industry in many countries. With the advent of the internet in the 1990s, the production and consumption of pornography have become even more widespread and accessible, leading to debates about its impact on society and its potential for exploitation and harm.

The use of porn is connected with many negative consequences for those who view it regularly. Experts in addiction counseling identify consequences such as becoming desensitized to sexual violence, an addiction-like compulsion to view pornography, and many experienced a tendency to engage in sexually aggressive behavior.

Porn is widely considered negative in society as it creates unrealistic stereotypes and tends to contribute to the objectification and sexualization of individuals based on their gender, race, or other base characteristics. The topic of porn’s impact on society is often debated with some proponents standing in defense of pornography as a source of information and a means to explore human sexuality safely.

Treatment for addiction often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support groups to help individuals overcome their addiction and maintain long-term recovery. In seeking a biblical model of helping someone that might be battling an addiction to porn, here are some steps that can be taken:

1. Educate yourself

Learn about addiction and its signs and symptoms, then seek wisdom from God's word and pray for guidance on identifying and addressing addiction in others. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5 ESV)

2. Observe and document

Record any signs of addiction in the person you are concerned may be experiencing addiction. Show empathy and compassion towards them. "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2 ESV)

3. Approach with care

A person dealing with addiction needs love, not judgment and condemnation. "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." (Galatians 6:1 ESV)

4. Offer support

Encourage them to seek help, such as through counseling or addiction support groups. You can become a resource for that person in finding help. "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16 ESV)

5. Point them toward Christ

Encourage them to prioritize their relationship with God and shift their choices towards activities that align with His will. "And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39 ESV)