90 Days to Wholeness: A Porn Addiction Recovery Devotional for WomenSample

There are many misconceptions and even myths out there about what porn and/or sexual addiction is or isn’t and part of recovery is understanding the truth of one’s condition. You’ve already taken the inventory and have seen where you struggle most, but that’s just a start.

Many make excuses like, “I just really like sex. My sex drive is strong. I can’t help it.” But these addictions are created and fed by an intimacy disorder regardless of whether you’re a man or a woman. However, intimacy disorders don’t just happen, just as addiction doesn’t just happen. There are root issues and most often, those roots stem from an abuse of some sort (spiritual, sexual, physical and/or emotional) and/or a lack of proper affection/intimacy in one’s life.

My intimacy disorder was rooted in my childhood and the emotional neglect and abandonment I experienced. I was the youngest of three and yet in so many ways, I grew up alone, isolated. I sought refuge in porn, not because I liked it, but because it satisfied inner longings I had to be loved, comforted and protected.

Perhaps you’ve never tried to figure out where your intimacy disorder is rooted. Consider the history of your behavior (if you need a refresher, think back to the inventory). How did it start? What feelings did you initially experience? Did anything else in your life provide you with the same type of feelings? Why did you choose to continue? 

An intimacy disorder is only as deep as it’s roots. It will be very difficult, if not impossible, to overcome your struggles without understanding the roots, repair what is broken and in total surrender—work toward having the needs your addiction is currently satisfying be met by God and healthy, God-honoring relationships and activities. 

With all of this in mind, can you identify the root of your intimacy disorder?