Addicted to Pornography?
If you are struggling with pornography, know that you are not alone. Others struggle with you. And, more importantly to you right now, others are willing to help you overcome this problem. Pornography is an addiction. Just like any other addiction, it takes time, patience, and, most importantly, grace to heal. Know that it is possible to heal!
A letter for those struggling with addiction:
http://www.pornnomore.com/OpenLtr2Addicts.htm
For those whose husbands are struggling with pornography addiction:
http://www.pornnomore.com/OpenLtr2Wives.htm
How do you know if you're addicted to porn?
http://candeocan.com/how-do-you-know-if-youre-addicted-to-porn
The USCCB recommends FIVE WAYS TO BEGIN THE RECOVERY PROCESS
(http://www.usccb.org/prolife/programs/rlp/houckpamphlet.pdf):
- Decide to get well and resolve to stop viewing all forms of pornography.
- Remove all sources of temptation that may prevent one from healing.
- Be willing to make sacrifices, which may involve changing current duties or habits.
- Become familiar with the process by which one begins to repeat addictive behavior.
- Find a support group or a network of "solid" people to help in one's recovery.
Without God's grace, those seeking freedom from pornography addiction may find the five basic steps just outlined very difficult. Fortunately, all believers can SEEK GRACE BY
- Praying daily
- Seeking education and formation in the virtues
- Practicing patience and perseverance (Self-mastery is the work of a life-time)
- Turning one's thoughts to God's merciful love when tormented during recovery with images and temptations
- Additionally, Catholics are blessed to be able to partake frequently in two great sources of sacramental grace: the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion.
For more on each of the above, go to: http://www.usccb.org/prolife/programs/rlp/houck.pdf
Two recommended programs to assist you in the healing process:
Porn No More
Candéo
Prayer for Purity Have mercy on me, God, in your goodness; in your abundant compassion blot out my offense.
Wash away all my guilt; from my sin cleanse me.
For I know my offense; my sin is always before me.
Against you alone have I sinned; I have done such evil in your sight That you are just in your
sentence, blameless when you condemn.
True, I was born guilty, a sinner, even as my mother conceived me.
Still, you insist on sincerity of heart; in my inmost being teach me wisdom.
Cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be pure; wash me, make me whiter than snow.
Let me hear sounds of joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Turn away your face from my sins; blot out all my guilt.
A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast spirit.
Do not drive me from your presence, nor take from me your holy spirit.
Restore my joy in your salvation; sustain in me a willing spirit.
I will teach the wicked your ways, that sinners may return to you.
Rescue me from death, God, my saving God, that my tongue may praise your healing power.
Lord, open my lips; my mouth will proclaim your praise.
-Psalms 51:3-17, NAB
