Articles

Various Reasons Why Sexual Addicts Choose to Disclose – Help for Sexual Addiction

Disclosure is a pivotal and often difficult step in the recovery journey from sexual addiction. The reasons behind a sexual addict’s decision to open up about their struggles can vary greatly,...

The Role of Disclosing Secrets in Sexual Addiction Recovery

Recovery from sexual addiction involves more than just abstaining from compulsive behaviors; it requires building authentic connections and restoring trust. A critical aspect of this journey is the...

Reclaiming Healthy Living Through a Period of Celibacy in Sexual Addiction Recovery

Sexual addiction can deeply disrupt an individual’s life, impairing their relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being. As individuals work to reclaim healthy living and move beyond...

The Emotional Struggles of Pornography Addiction and Getting Help

Pornography addiction impacts emotional regulation, a crucial aspect of personal and relational well-being. According to Patrick Carnes, a leading researcher in sexual addiction recovery, addiction...

Intimacy Anorexia as a Symptom of Betrayal Trauma

Betrayal trauma, such as discovering a partner’s pornography addiction or infidelity, can profoundly disrupt emotional intimacy within a marriage. One common response to betrayal is intimacy...

Intimate Betrayal, Intimacy Anorexia, and Finding Help for Pornography Addiction

Intimate betrayal leaves deep scars, shaking the very foundation of trust and emotional safety in a marriage. When betrayal intertwines with intimacy anorexia and pornography addiction, the result...

Intimate Betrayal, Intimacy Anorexia and Pornography Addiction – Help for Recovery

Betrayal in intimate relationships creates deep emotional wounds, often leading to profound disconnection between partners. One such response to intimate betrayal is intimacy anorexia—a...

Loss of Connection When a Husband Is Addicted to Pornography – Intimate Betrayal

The emotional bond shared between spouses is the cornerstone of a healthy and thriving marriage. However, pornography addiction disrupts this foundation, replacing intimacy and connection with...

Intimate Betrayal and Betrayal Trauma

Betrayal trauma is a profound psychological wound experienced when a trusted partner violates that trust. This form of trauma leaves individuals grappling with a whirlwind of emotions and a...

When the Truth Hurts: Trauma of Betrayal in Wives Discovering Pornography Addiction

The discovery of a husband’s pornography addiction often serves as a devastating revelation for wives, deeply undermining the trust and security of the marital bond. As noted by White and...

Developing Self-Awareness in Sexual Addiction Recovery

Sexual addiction recovery requires more than abstaining from compulsive behaviors—it demands a transformation of the individual’s understanding of themselves. A key to this...

Self-Awareness in the Process of Growth Out of Pornography Addiction

Pornography addiction is a pervasive issue, often intertwined with deeply rooted emotional struggles and a lack of self-awareness. Renowned addiction expert Patrick Carnes illuminates this...

The Importance of Self-Care in Pornography Addiction Recovery

For those navigating the path to recovery from pornography addiction, self-care is an often underestimated yet vital aspect of the healing journey. Recovery requires more than abstaining from...

Accountability for Lasting Recovery from Pornography Addiction

For men struggling with pornography addiction, lasting recovery is a journey that requires courage, commitment, and community. One critical component of this journey is accountability—a...

The Roots of Sexual Addiction in a Pattern of Failure – Help for Sex Addiction

Sexual addiction often has deep-seated roots, stemming from a complex interplay of personal and familial dynamics during formative years. For many, the origins of their struggle are tied to feelings...

Achieving Success in Sexual Addiction Recovery

Sexual addiction is a complex and pervasive issue that can significantly impact an individual's mental, emotional, and relational health. Achieving success in recovery requires more than a quick...

Preparing for Disclosure in Pornography Addiction Recovery

Recovery from pornography addiction is a deeply personal journey that requires courage, vulnerability, and commitment. One critical step in this process is disclosure—the act of sharing your...

Overcoming Pornography Addiction as a Team with Your Wife

Pornography addiction can be deeply isolating, creating barriers in the most important relationships in your life—particularly with your spouse. However, involving your wife in your journey...

Teen Guys Preparing for Holiday Triggers to Stay Away from Pornography

The holiday season brings excitement and joy, but it also brings changes in routine that can create vulnerabilities for adolescent boys trying to avoid pornography. By understanding common holiday...

The Power of Honesty in Therapy for Sexual Addiction Recovery

One of the most critical aspects of recovering from sexual addiction is the willingness to be completely honest with your therapist. It can be tempting to hold back, to minimize the extent of the...

High School Teen Finds Freedom from Porn Addiction

*The name of this individual has been redacted to protect his privacy.   High school has never been easy for me, even though it probably looked like I had it all together. I was on the...

“I Needed Help” – An Evangelical Man’s Battle with Pornography Addiction

*The name of this individual has been removed to protect his privacy.   For most of my life, I thought being close to Jesus was about having a deep, personal relationship with Him....

“Confession Wasn’t Enough” – A Catholic Man’s Battle with Pornography Addiction

*The name of this individual has been redacted to protect his privacy.   For years, I struggled silently with a deep sense of shame and failure. As a practicing Catholic, I attended Mass...

“I Thought I Just Needed to Pray Harder” – An LDS Man’s Battle with Pornography Addiction

*The name and identifying information about this individual has been redacted to protect their privacy.   For years, I lived with a secret struggle that weighed heavily on my heart. As a...

I Couldn’t Break Free from Pornography Addiction On My Own

*Names and identifying information have been redacted to protect the privacy of this individual’s testimony.   There was a time when my life felt irreparably broken. Addiction to...

Healthy Disclosure in Sexual Addiction Recovery

The Importance of Thoughtful Disclosure Disclosure is a pivotal yet delicate aspect of recovery from sexual addiction. It involves revealing truths about past behaviors to loved ones, an act that...

A New Kind of Change: Recovery for Sex Addicts

Redefining Change through Recovery Recovery from sex addiction involves a deep, internal transformation. It is not simply about stopping a behavior but adopting new ways of living and thinking. As...

The Lies Sex Addicts Tell Themselves That Hinder Recovery and Getting Help

Self-deception is one of the primary obstacles preventing sex addicts from entering recovery. These lies serve as protective mechanisms, shielding individuals from the painful truths about their...

Signs of Progress in Breaking Free from Denial in Sexual Addiction Recovery

Denial is a formidable barrier in the recovery from sexual addiction, perpetuating harmful behaviors and delaying healing. Breaking free from denial marks a critical milestone, signaling that a sex...

Learning Authenticity and Transparency Through the First Step of Sexual Addiction Recovery

The First Step in recovery from sexual addiction is more than an admission of powerlessness—it is a gateway to profound personal transformation. By challenging ingrained habits of secrecy and...

The First Step in Recovery from Sexual Addiction

Acknowledging the reality of addiction is a crucial step in recovery from sexual addiction. The First Step, as framed in recovery programs and reinforced by the insights of Patrick Carnes,...

Intimate Betrayal and the Harm Experienced by Women

Prevalence of Intimate Betrayal Intimate betrayal, stemming from the discovery or disclosure of a partner’s compulsive sexual behaviors (CSBs), profoundly impacts the well-being of women....

Are You a Teenager Addicted to Watching Pornography?

For many teenage boys, watching pornography starts with curiosity. But sometimes, what feels like harmless exploration can turn into something that feels out of control. If you’re wondering...

Post-Thanksgiving Grief and Sadness in Women Impacted by Intimate Betrayal

The Thanksgiving season often highlights themes of connection, gratitude, and family unity. However, for women who have experienced intimate betrayal—whether through infidelity, pornography...

How Mothers Can Navigate the Shock of Discovering Their Teen’s Pornography Use

Discovering that your teen is compulsively using pornography can feel like an emotional earthquake. As a mother, the shock may trigger feelings of betrayal, fear, or inadequacy. For some, it stirs...

Post-Thanksgiving Depression and Pornography Addiction Recovery

The holiday season, particularly Thanksgiving, often brings an overwhelming mix of joy, stress, and reflection. For some, the emotional highs of connection and gratitude may sharply contrast with...

The Dangers of Pornography Addiction and Potential Escalation

Rapid Escalation and Loss of Control Pornography addiction is a uniquely insidious form of sexual addiction, particularly in the age of the internet. As Carnes (2015) explains, "Sexual...

Why Pornography Can Become So Addicting

Anonymity and Its Role in Addiction One of the defining aspects of pornography addiction is its deep connection to anonymity. As Carnes (2015) explains, "Among the answers, anonymity stands...

The Pervasiveness of Pornography Addiction and Cybersex in Modern Society

In today’s digital age, the accessibility and prevalence of pornography have grown to unprecedented levels. As Dr. Patrick Carnes articulates in his seminal work, Facing the Shadow: Starting...

Developing Patience on the Journey to Porn Addiction Recovery

Recovery from pornography addiction is a deeply personal and challenging process. Many men grappling with this issue find themselves discouraged when change does not come quickly or easily. However,...

Rebuilding the Brain During Pornography Addiction Recovery

Recovery from pornography addiction is not merely a journey of behavioral change—it also involves profound neurological healing. Research, including insights from Don Hilton, underscores how...

Admitting When You Need Counseling for Pornography Addiction

Struggling with pornography addiction is a challenge faced by many, yet admitting the need for help can be a significant hurdle. Despite societal stigmas, seeking counseling is not a sign of...

The Power of Accountability in Overcoming Pornography Addiction

Pornography addiction affects countless men worldwide, often isolating individuals in cycles of shame and secrecy. However, recovery is possible through intentional steps toward healing....

I’m a Teenager - How to Stop Watching Pornography Practical Steps to Regain Control

Are you struggling to stop watching pornography? If you’re reading this, you’re not alone. Many teenage boys feel trapped by their habits and are unsure of how to regain control. The...

The Positive Aspects of Pornography Addiction Recovery

A Journey Toward Healing and Self-Discovery Pornography addiction recovery represents a profound journey of healing, self-awareness, and transformation. For many, confronting addiction is daunting,...

Developing Practical Strategies for Behavioral Change with Pornography Addiction

Recovery from pornography addiction requires more than just willpower—it involves actionable strategies that address underlying behaviors and support sustainable change. This article explores...

Seeking Effective Recovery Programs for Pornography Addiction

For men struggling with pornography addiction, finding a structured and effective recovery program is essential for lasting change. Recovery programs provide tools, community, and support tailored...

Understanding the Causes of Pornography Addiction

Pornography addiction is a complex and multifaceted issue affecting countless men. Understanding its causes is crucial for creating effective strategies for recovery. This article explores three...

The Dangers of Early Childhood Exposure to Pornography – Help for Porn Addiction

Early exposure to pornography is a growing concern in modern society, with long-lasting implications for mental health and development. Mark Houck, an advocate for purity and recovery, shared his...

Setting Boundaries with Family During Thanksgiving After Intimate Betrayal

Thanksgiving often brings families together to celebrate and connect, but for women coping with intimate betrayal, these gatherings can be fraught with emotional challenges. Between well-meaning...