52. EXPOSED: Hidden Routines That Lead To Porn

Pure Victory Podcast

Make a tangible difference for FREE by joining the Action Squad at www.restoredministries.ca/actionsquad.

Welcome to episode #52!

This week, the guys discuss rituals that are a pattern of behaviour we often aren't aware of that keep leading us back into porn use.

Porn use has a pattern of behaviour that runs in the background without us knowing
When we struggle with a porn addiction, there often is a routine that we enter into before and after each instance of porn use. This behaviour becomes a ritual in our lives that becomes ingrained in us. It traps us by becoming a subconscious behaviour that we don't often link to our sexual behaviour. Breaking free requires us to partner with God in exposing this pattern of behaviour so we can become more self-aware.

Ritualistic behaviour is often tied to an emotional trigger
When the cycle of ongoing porn use becomes ingrained in us, we have triggers that will lead us back into that cycle of behaviour associated with looking at porn. For instance, if we have a bad day, the emotion of frustration or sadness can trigger us to enter into a ritual that we have associated with feeling better or ignoring our feelings altogether. Porn is so powerful because looking at it causes dopamine to be released, which is highly addictive. Beyond feelings, behaviours can become rituals as well. It could be looking at YouTube videos, gaming, driving by certain places, or avoiding our support people (accountability partners). Eventually that behaviour gets associated with looking at porn and it acts like a bait on a hook, pulling us deeper into the cycle of porn use.

It's not all bad news! We can develop healthy rituals and routines
Part of a recovery plan is building healthy routines and patterns. Once we get rid of bad rituals, or at least become aware of them, then we can fill that void with good routines that will build growth and health in our lives. Building the habit of spending time with God is one key example that changes our ability to regulate our emotions and move away from bad default patterns of behaviour.

Share With Your Friends
Who do you know that can benefit from this podcast and other episodes coming in the future? Share it with them so they can subscribe as well.

Subscribe
Next week, Matt and Braden talk with author and speaker, Josh McDowell, on why porn is so harmful in the church and what church leaders and parents can do to tackle the issue.

Resources
Pure Freedom Community for men 18+

Pure Freedom Journey for men and women

Book a FREE call (men)

Course for marriages

FamilyLife Canada: Resources and events to strengthen your marriage

Online marriage resources (FamilyLife Canada)

Covenant Eyes Accountability Software - use promo code RM30 for 30 days free

Podcast Hosts
BRADEN HAFNER

Braden is the Regional Director in Alberta for FamilyLife Canada. He has been married for 12 years to his wife Kristen, and they live in Edmonton, Alberta. He is passionate about seeing marriages grow and thrive, and helping couples move to a deeper oneness with one another and with God. FamilyLife Canada has a variety of resources and events to help you and your spouse take your marriage to the next level. See what would benefit you at www.familylifecanada.com

MATT CLINE

Matt and his wife Louise raise their little guys, David and Oliver, in Edmonton, Alberta. He is honored to do what he can to tackle the epidemic of pornography and sexual perversion in every way possible. Seeing lives and marriages get free and experience the love of God in profound ways is what drives him every day. He leads Restored Ministries, is a certified speaker and coach for the John Maxwell Team, and formerly played hockey in the WHL and for Hockey Canada. You can visit www.restoredministries.ca.