THE PORN EXPLOSION
"Pornography is moving from an individual and couples' problem to a public health problem, capable of deeply harming the emotional, sexual and relationship well-being of millions of men, women and children.... Some experts believe that an epidemic of porn use is society's newest and most challenging mental health problem." These are words from a special issue of Psychotherapy Networker (November - December 2009) that focuses on "the porn explosion" and how counselors are reacting. The lead article describes one writer's move from being a sex therapist who urged clients to view pornography to a believer in the widespread harm that porn is causing.
On the week when the Networker arrived in my mailbox I was reading a sobering new book by
In contrast, "by intentionally redirecting the neurochemical flow, the path toward right thinking becomes the preferred path and is established as a mental habit." The corrupted pathway in the brain can be avoided and "a new healthier pathway can be formed."
This shift away from addictive sexual stimuli and behaviors is difficult and rarely accomplished by simplistic answers, fervent prayer or even marriage. Firm, consistent mentoring and accountability are of crucial importance. It helps if porn users can identify and deal with the triggers to porn use including loneliness, fatigue, tension, anger, anxiety or discouragement. Determination to avoid pornography and focus on the spiritual disciplines are of great value. Some men find help in counseling that uncovers and deals with the causes of their addictions. Clearly the porn problem rarely gets resolved by individuals trying to cope on their own without help from caring others. And the problem most often persists when churches and therapists ignore this enslaving issue that has surged along with easy access to Internet sexual stimulation.
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