Why Can’t I Stop Watching Porn? Part I

Simply put, pornography jumbles up the delicate, powerful wiring of your brain. Neurology is anything but simple. But, let’s try to our look at our neurological mapping for enough understanding to unpack and move forward in our walk towards sexual integrity.

Porn rewires our God given desires. Let’s try re-wiring to what God intended for us. “The process of sanctification is an addiction to holiness, a compulsive fixation on Christ and an impulsive pattern of compassion, virtue and love.

This is what we are wired for. This is what we are meant for.” (Dr William Struthers)

Highlights:

God wired us neuro-chemically in a way that plays into His beautiful design for us as human beings.

When we use pornography on a regular basis; our wiring gets hijacked.

God has designed us with intentionality and that’s true for our sexuality.

4 Neuro-Chemicals

Serotonin (The Happy Chemical) – produces a sense of well-being or calm, a release from stress.  Can be increased through exercise, exposure to sunlight, healthy diet and medication.   Serotonin shows us God designed sex between husband and wife to bring relief from anxiety, a sense of well-being, health, calm.Norepinephrine- In the body, it gives an experience of being awake & alive, with increased energy. In the brain, it increases attention helping to focus on a task. In the marriage embrace, there’s a release of feeling alive, exhilaration and increased focus.  The effect can increase faithfulness between husband and wife. Also, helps to store significant experiences.Oxytocin – (The Bonding Chemical) A neurotransmitter that bonds spouses during and after sex. Released in women during foreplay and in men more after sexual climax. Lowers blood pressure, induces better sleep. Can also be fostered through meaningful conversations, meal with friends, a good cry, when a mother nurses her baby. Part of developing closeness with other people.Dopamine – (The Pleasure Chemical) Increases focus. Helps to direct your craving towards that which satisfies. In sex between husband and wife, it helps a person create a craving towards his/her spouse. If we’re taking our sexual desires to other places or people, dopamine is going to remember that and direct you there.

Homework:

Take note of when and where you are in your day as you look for porn. Then, ask yourself what you were looking for in that moment. Be curious and patient. Looking to your patterns can help you realize what you’re needing and then how to move differently. Nurture those parts of your life – look for ways to get calm, get connected, ways to let your body feel alive and awake.

Recall Jesus’ question “What are you looking for?” Let His words speak to you today. Hear the tenderness in His voice and let Him work with you to unpack what it is you’re really looking for.

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