Pornography—it's a hidden, dirty and shameful thing most of the time, but ten to one you clicked this article for the name alone.
Pornography production and consumption has exploded these last few decades, these last few years especially thanks to the ever increasing high speed Internet connection and phone capabilities allowing us to be plugged in to porn anytime and anywhere we choose.
The pornographic industry in the U.S alone has annual revenue upwards of three billion dollars and is increasing every year. Astounding stats in regards to pornographic addiction and the subsequent side effects of its use can be found on newly founded websites such as Covenant Eyes, Nofap and Fight the New Drug.
The shame of addiction
I myself know what it is like to suffer from a pornographic addiction. I know the guilt, shame and regret it brings along with it. I know how it affects and somehow infects almost every area of life. I can understand how it can drive people to suicide, and in some cases actually has.
I was tired of the empty promises of porn. I was sick of the cycle of guilt, shame and isolation. I was sick of the horrible mental, physical and antisocial effects. I knew it was wrong, that it was bad for me in every way; but that didn't stop it taking control. Once the chain reaction of temptation begins it can be almost impossible to stop.
My year without porn
After years of going through my own struggles and battles, and after lots of personal research, I have this year started a challenge for those of you who want to kick this habit once and for all.
My Year Without Porn is an accountability support group with the goal of actively attacking (and hopefully defeating) this addiction for the period of a whole year (and hopefully, beyond).
Medical and scientific research is now revealing that pornographic use/addiction is both psychologically and physiologically similar to heroin or cocaine use, due to the strength of its addictive nature and the way it hijacks the brain's reward pathways and chemical makeup.
Extended exposure to pornography floods the brain with ever increasing levels of dopamine (the brain's feel-good chemical). Having a continual flow of dopamine, the brain then reduces the amount of dopamine receptors due to the overload—so to maintain the same level of sexual arousal the user needs an ever-increasing amount of variety, hard core content, and novelty to maintain the same 'high' they once gained from viewing pornography. So the downward spiral continues, increasing the guilt, shame and isolation.
Can pornography get you high?
Absolutely. Pornography is a virtual drug with no outward symptoms, it can be accessed from almost anywhere and has the same damaging effects to the brain as many street drugs.
I plan to continue writing about my journey and exposing the truth of this issue, but for now I want to talk directly to you. If you are sick of porn and fed up with what it is doing to your mind, your family, your spouse, your spiritual walk, and your integrity—I ask you to join me in this challenge.
Will some of us fail? Probably! But that is no reason not to start. Accountability, support, and planning methods to help conquer addiction will help us stay on track.
'A man is not an island', the old saying goes and I believe true and lasting freedom can occur in the context of a loving and supportive community. Nothing good grows in the dark or in the cold, but if we step out into the light whatever is hidden can be dealt with.
Can you be free? Yes, I believe so. This is about saying 'enough'! Enough excuses, enough using porn to escape and medicate our pain or our problems, enough warping and polluting our minds. Enough of objectifying and dehumanising women.
Take up the challenge
If you would like to take up this challenge, if you would like to step out of the darkness, out of the shadows of shame, and into a community where others will be there to support and guide you then please take the challenge with us.
You deserve it, your family deserves it, your wife or partner, or future partner deserves it, your kids or future kids deserve it... the world deserves it. They all deserve YOU to be the best version of yourself that you can be, the person you were born to be... And that person is one who is clean, clear and in control of his life and his choices.
There is hope, there is freedom, and there is the life you want available for the taking...
Take the 2016 challenge with me—you can start at any time.
Our Facebook page, 'My Year Without Porn: MYWOP Challenge 2016' will feature updates, encouragement and info to help guide and support you in your journey.
Please click here to find out more.
I have also created a closed group for those who want to discuss their struggles in a more private setting named: 'MYWOP Challenge'. To join this group please ask via the main page.
Tim Everton is a youth worker and designer from the beautiful Southern Coast of South Australia. In his off-time he pursues graphic design, photography, the beach (and its various forms of enjoyment) and seeking out his next best cafe latte.
Tim Everton's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/tim-everton.html