The first step to recovery from any addiction is acknowledgment. It is nearly impossible to overcome without understanding that we have an addiction.
When an addict becomes fully aware of its catastrophic consequences, they will be more likely to seek help. However, unwinding this sort of addiction can take time and effort and will not happen overnight.
With God’s help and the right amount of support, it is possible to overcome this destructive addiction. It may seem daunting and overwhelming, but I have seen firsthand how reaching out for help and gaining a deeper understanding of the addiction has helped my marriage undo the damage caused by pornography. It has been a long road, and it is not perfect. We have relied heavily on our church family to help us pull through some of the most challenging times in our marriage.
Bring the addiction into the light. Share your struggles with trusted friends or family and allow them to champion you to recovery. This addiction can cause deep shame, embarrassment, and judgment, so pray about who the right people are, who can walk beside you, encourage you, and keep you accountable.
God does not want us living tangled in sin, and with His strength, we can push through to healing and reconciliation in our damaged marriages.
Here are some resources to help an addict on their road to recovery:
Focus on the Family Resources
Crosswalk Resources
Christianity.com Resources
Related Resource: For Those With a Spouse Battling Addiction
Host of the Real Deal of Parenting, Abby Johnson, talks about her husband Doug’s 3-year sobriety journey and how life has been different for her family of ten. This is a great perspective for those who are battling addiction, namely alcoholism.
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