One of the most helpful explanations I’ve heard about pornography addiction is Dr. Kevin Skinner’s “activation sequence.” In this video I explain what the sequence is and why it is important for those who struggle with porn to create their own “deactivation sequence.”
Anyone who wants to make a U-turn at their triggers first need to know what their specific triggers are. What sights, sounds, or events tend to get the motor going? Knowing your triggers will allow you to be more vigilant.
At every step of the activation sequence, if one wants to make a U-turn, they need to turn on their “thinking brain,” the part of their brain called the prefrontal cortex. This is the part of the brain that does the deliberation, that chooses between wise and unwise actions. One can do this several ways, but one of the easiest ways to do this is to simply speak aloud and label what is happening. “This is a trigger.” By doing this, you stop being a passive participant, stop letting your habits stay in the driver seat, and helps you to snap you out of it.
Then, once you’ve collected your whits, get up and do something else. Step away from the trigger.
Pick up a copy of Dr. Skinner’s Treating Pornography Addiction.
It is encouraging to read these comments. I am on day 4 of the challenge and I must say it is good that I found covenant eyes to help me out before it is too late. My first trigger is anger coming from my past relationship which led to unwanted pregnancy and living as a single mother being rejected so about 4 months ago I started to watch porn. I had seen porn to be my way of self satisfaction without being involved with any man since I am so scared of being married and have to go through another humiliation. Now I know what porn has taken from me and my triggers so am willing to put all I learn everyday into practice until I finish. Freedom can not be attained in one day but one day at a time, I gain my freedom in Christ Jesus!
Blessings,
Agnes.
My computer is set up to block youtube, vimeo, and almost every other video broadcasting platform that I Know for obvious reasons … so most of the time I can not watch the videos unless I go to the public library. Is there some other way to format the videos so they can be viewed by folks like me who have blocked all video platforms?
Hi Thomas,
Unfortunately, from what I know about these video platforms, you cannot watch their videos without actually accessing the sites. I know that you can download videos (when connected to the internet) and view offline later. However, this would still mean that you would need to first access the platforms while online. That being said, I would recommend that if already have these platforms blocked, that you avoid watching the videos they publish altogether.
I am sorry that I don’t have a better answer for you!
Blessings,
Moriah
It is really nice, and really chanllenging to read (and write!) the comments in this section. I’m currently in the day 4 of the challange, I never concentrated so much energy in breaking free from porn, so I’m happy to continue with the 40 days.
I had in the past strong feeling of self harm and depresion, so one of the horrible thoughts that sometimes I have to deal for not falling to porn is “I wish I be death”, this make porn atractive to alleviate the feeling. Also porn has always been and escape room after failure, so everytime I feel defeted it’s a clear trigger to watch porn again, this specially grew because of my long past tennis player career, every defeat was cover with masturbation and porn to try to overcome the pain of loosing again.
Other thought is about the future “I’ll never be married and have a family because of this sin in my life”, I already know how bad women react to a cofession like “I’m struggling with porn addiction” even if is sincere and want to quit it, I did it and I always remember that thought.
I still not sure how to plan to avoid all those triggers (I have more sadly), but It helps to think and be aware of the danger.
Please fix this link “Pick up a copy of Dr. Skinner’s Treating Pornography Addiction.” under the video content on this page. it is sending me to a bad website. I don’t need any temptation right now.
Philip,
The link is now fixed. We apologize for any temptation the previous link caused to you. The old site we had originally linked had been replaced.
Blessings,
Moriah
On the 4th day of the challenge. My biggest struggle is that I work about 900K from home, only manage to see wife once a month.
It’s really great learning from other people, it makes me know that I am not alone in this transformation process.