Why is pornography so addictive?

There are two key aspects that make pornography particularly addictive. First, according to Mark Laaser, “Research has shown that sexual activity and sexual fantasy can alter brain chemistry and produce profound feelings of pleasure.”¹ According to a recently published book, new scientific studies show that “the release of brain chemicals [in sexual activity]… result[s] in emotional bonding and a powerful desire to repeat the activity.”² The emotional bonding triggered by sexual activity is ideally suited to cement and deepen the relationship between a husband and wife, but when triggered by images it results in deep emotional frustration even as the compulsion to continue viewing pornography increases. One man reported,

“I felt extreme anticipation and excitement when I went online in the evening, the concentration and thrill increasing as I searched various Web sites and found new ones. But after[wards]… I felt awful. I had so many harsh feelings and was angry for wasting so much time. I felt ashamed and guilty that I had done this again. And worst of all, I felt helpless and full of despair because I realized I didn’t know how or when I would be able to stop.”³

The second factor that makes pornography so addictive is that there is an underlying spiritual element to sexual behavior. Quoting Genesis 2:24, the Apostle Paul refers to the deep spiritual bond that forms between a husband and wife as a “profound mystery” (Ephesians 5:28-32). This spiritual element of sexual behavior can cause spiritual bonding to occur with pornographic images, according to LIA counselor David Jones,⁴ and he further submits that this bonding does not occur as intensely in addictions to substances or non-sexual behaviors. Despite the powerful addictive qualities of pornography, God is more powerful than any addiction. There is freedom in Jesus Christ from sexual and relational sin! If you are struggling in one of these areas, Love In Action can help you begin your journey of healing. We invite you to explore our program options and contact us with any questions.  

¹ Mark R. Laaser, Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction (Zondervan, 2004) 109.  
² Joe S. McIlhaney, Jr. and Freda McKissic Bush, Hooked: New Science on How Casual Sex is Affecting Our Children (Moody Publishers, 2008).  
³ Patrick J. Carnes, David L. Delmonico, Elizabeth Griffin, Joseph M. Moriarity, In the Shadows of the Net: Breaking Free from Compulsive Online Sexual Behavior (Hazelden, 2007) 3.  
⁴ David Jones, "Hidden Facts About Porn", Love In Action website, <http://www.loveinaction.org/hiddenfactsaboutporn>.