“With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning” (2 Peter 2:14).
This speaks to the cycle of addiction:
- We see it.
- We think it.
- We do it.
- We hate it.
- We hide it.
- We do it again.
The result of repeated porn use and of crossing unhealthy sexual boundaries is the inevitable disruption of the brain’s pathways for releasing dopamine and oxytocin, which can cause short- and long-term changes in brain chemistry.
Psychologist Karin Gepp says, “Infidelity can cause problems in any relationship. The effects of such a betrayal are long-term and devastating, often permanent.”
It starts with “eyes full of adultery.” And that is where it needs to end.
Recovery Step: Change the pattern of what you see.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
