10 Steps to Overcoming Pornography Addiction
by Stephen Arterburn
- First, you must acknowledge the addiction exists. Many who are caught in the trap of addiction will adamantly deny the problem. He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. - Proverbs 28:13
- You must recognize that what you are doing is wrong. Addicts find a way to justify their problem in their mind. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. - I John 2:16
- You must not blame others - "If my wife/husband were just more affectionate." ... "If women/men were not so seductive." Adam blamed Eve and she blamed the serpent. Instead, you must begin to take responsibility for your actions.
- Make yourself accountable to a spiritual authority, perhaps a pastor or mature believer. Everybody needs a "safe" person to share their struggles with. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. - James 5:16
- You must recognize that "will power" is not the answer. At a weak moment, your "will" may fail you. By admitting that you are in need of God's help, you open access to His supernatural intervention in your life. You must yield your will to God's will. That's when He can begin a new work in your life.
- Study the Word of God concerning sexual purity. Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the Word implanted, which is able to save your souls. - James 1:21
- You must destroy any pornography in your possession. You can't wean yourself off pornography. Think of the hidden pornography in your home as a ticking time bomb that will ultimately destroy your family.
- You must learn to flee temptation. Self-deception may enter when you think you can play with fire without getting burned. Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it. Turn away from it and pass on. - Proverbs 4:14,15
- Give yourself time to work through the process of recovery. More often than not, God chooses to take us through a learning and growing process, that can be very painful. Victory over addiction should be viewed as a marathon, not a sprint.
- It's cliché, but you must approach your addiction one day at a time. Look for little victories and rejoice in the progress you're making. Recovery is a cinch by the inch, but a trial by the mile.
Reprinted with permission from New Life Ministries
Copyright 2007 New Life Ministries. All Rights