The Hidden Costs of Pornography Use

Erectile dysfunction, depression, and irritability are among the documented negative effects of long-term exposure to pornography.The pervasive nature of online pornography raises concerns about its impact on individuals and relationships.

Ray Brandon, a professional counselor based in Kalamazoo, Mich., asserts that I don’t think really any use of pornography is healthy.I think it needs to be zero. Brandon runs group clinics for men seeking to eliminate pornography from their lives, highlighting the growing problem of pornography addiction both locally and nationally.

The Cycle of Isolation and Addiction

According to Brandon, pornography use can deplete dopamine levels in the brain, leading to feelings of social isolation even with infrequent use. This isolation can fuel a cycle of addiction.

Shame flourishes in the dark.It flourishes in isolation. and that’s what this kind of addiction does. it isolates individuals.
ray Brandon, Professional Counselor

Andy Pace, a recovering pornography addict and now a missionary in Peru, struggled with pornography addiction for four decades. He describes the overwhelming presence of pornography online:

Go on the internet today. It’s like pornography is getting shoved down your throat.
Andy Pace, Recovering Pornography Addict

Pace recounts how his addiction negatively impacted his relationships with his wife, children, and friends, emphasizing that That’s where the damage comes. Because you can never get quite enough.

Finding Freedom Through Community

Nate O’Neill, another individual who battled pornography addiction from a young age, echoes the sentiment of isolation and discontent.

I was alone with pornography and then feeling so ashamed about myself.
Nate O’Neill, Recovering Pornography addict

O’Neill describes the constant underlying feeling of unease that often accompanies pornography addiction:

one of the default states of a porn addict woudl be that they feel this kind of background refrigerator hum of discontent. Like, everywhere I go, something’s wrong!
Nate O’Neill, Recovering Pornography Addict

Both Pace and O’Neill found group therapy to be instrumental in their recovery. They now counsel others, helping them break free from the cycle of pornography addiction.

O’Neill emphasizes the importance of community in recovery:

It just helps you sit down with other people, tell your story, come clean, and then start working through it. I have never met a single addict who was able to recover in isolation.
Nate O’Neill, Recovering Pornography Addict

Brandon reinforces the value of group counseling, stating that it assures individuals that they are not alone in their struggle.

They’re using up a certain part of that dopamine which gives the sense of connection. But then they don’t have enough energy to actually connect.And so they go deeper into loneliness. That’s where it becomes an addiction.
Ray Brandon, Professional Counselor

Resources for Recovery

For those seeking help, group counseling sessions can provide a path to breaking free from pornography use. These sessions offer a supportive environment and strategies for overcoming addiction.

Learn more about group counseling sessions: Cornerstone Christian Counseling.