Steering clear of, and freeing oneself from, the trap of pornography addiction

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During the priesthood leadership session of the recent Fort Collins Stake conference, held March 7, 2010, Bishop Tal Walton addressed the issue of pornography addiction.

This addiction was likened to fishing. Just as a fisherman uses cunning, a lure and a three-pronged hook, Satan uses pornography to trap men and women, both young and old. He is then able to 'carry them wherever he desires.'

Bishop Walton warned that we must all be vigilant and knowledgeable about the reality of addiction to pornography. He explained that, when viewing pornographic images, dopamine is released in the brain, which is highly addictive to the individual. Further, all five parts of the brain are stimulated, in essence making pornography more addictive than cocaine, meth, and obesity, which stimulate just a few parts of the brain.

Bishop Walton quoted Elder Richard G. Scott, who said, "Participation in pornography in any of its lurid forms is a manifestation of unbridled selfishness. The tragic pattern is so familiar. It begins with curiosity that is fueled by its stimulation and is justified by the false premise that when done privately, it does no harm to anyone else. For those lulled by this lie, the experimentation goes deeper, with more powerful stimulations, until the trap closes and a terribly immoral, addictive habit exercises its vicious control."

"The best defense," said stake president Russell McClure, "is to never start."

For those who are currently caught in the trap of pornography, there is a way out. You should not be embarrassed to tell your parents or church leaders that you need help. They want more than anything to help you be free of this addiction.

You must have the faith to reach out for help. Your Father in Heaven can, and will, help you. Acts of faith, such as admitting you need help, access the power of the atonement. Please know that with undying faith and diligent action, you can become free again, and be at peace.

Additional information, articles, scriptural references and additional materials regarding this matter are available online.

Update: A new Church Web site sponsored by LDS Family Services, combatingpornography.org, offers useful tools for individuals striving to overcome pornography addiction and provides support information for parents and spouses.

If you would like to know more about the LDS faith, you can visit Mormon.org or call the local full-time missionaries in Fort Collins at (970) 631-2311.