Is Pornography an Addiction?

Sexual immorality is mentioned numerous times in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word “zanah” refers to illicit sex, and “porneia” relates to pornography. Pornography is mentioned twenty-five times in the New Testament. Going back to David's misconduct in the Ninth Century BCE, the Bible has condemned immoral sexual conduct. First Corinthians tells us we are not masters of our thoughts and are easily addicted. Porn creates lust and is offensive to God (Matthew 5:28 and Proverbs 6:25-28).

Pornography is responsible for a 300% increase in marital infidelity. Almost 60% of all divorces mention porn as a contributing reason. Porn rears its ugly head in over forty million homes regularly. Women engage in porn, but men are twice as likely to watch periodically. Many children are typically introduced by age 5, and as many as 95% will see it by age 14. From the Garden of Eden, God warns us to learn good from evil. 1 John 2:16 reminds us, “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”

Several university studies, including those at Cambridge, link pornography to addiction like alcohol and drugs. Pornography causes excess dopamine release in the brain, which over time causes desensitization and a loss of sexual appeal. It has been shown that pornography causes anxiety, depression, and a lowering of self-esteem. The very nature of pornography causes the user to become less trustworthy because they have to lie and hide their new perversion from family and friends. It is easy to see that pornography is a downward spiral that can only end in the ruin of its victims.

The good news is that a person who desires to be free from this addiction can find help. First, the victim must admit there is a problem and ask God for help. First Corinthians directs us to “flee from sexual immorality.” Then, a few straightforward steps must be taken. Contact a Counselor experienced in pornography addictions. Delete all porn from all devices, replace the addiction with a new activity, and do not allow your mind to wander and revisit the sin. In weak moments remember and recite Philippians 4:8 which states, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”