The Porn Circuit | Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering

Introduction
“The classic question posed is, ‘Can you stop looking at porn for 30 days?’” asks Dr. Mark
Laaser, an author and sex addiction therapist. “If you are truly addicted, your brain will go on a
five-alarm fire in about seven to 14 days. 2
“Do you notice that you are tempted to look at pornography when you are experiencing
problems of mood?” Laaser asks. “When you are stressed, depressed or anxious, do you go to
porn? Are you noticing there is a mood-altering quality to this for you?”
The coming chapters will discuss the neurology of how pornography often leads to a cycle
of dependency. The research of neurologists will explain how obsessions with pornography
take root, and why these habits, or even addictions, are so hard to break. By uncovering this
research and discussing it in everyday language, people can hopefully begin to make personal
and positive changes. Therapists will explain that though the mind can get stuck on an
obsession, with knowledge, understanding, and discipline old patterns can be exchanged for
new and positive behaviors.
“When you understand how the brain works somewhat better, you can use that information
to literally enhance your own perspective, broaden your own sense of your capacities and,
with that awareness, learn to focus on other things knowing that if you focus on other things
consistently you can change what’s there. You can change the way that real estate is used,” says
Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz, a leading expert in neurology. 3
Rather than provide neurological and sociological excuses for addictive behaviors or for acting
out, this information is designed to open doors of understanding. Science shows us that the
brain was designed to learn, and, in the words of Yoda: “You must unlearn what you have
learned.” For many, it is time for a renewing of the mind.
Knowledge precedes understanding, and understanding precedes change.
Volumes have been written on this topic, and readers will discover a multitude of resources
for further review. The coming pages will provide an overview of concepts and a synopsis of
modern research. This is not an exhaustive resource, but this is written to provide you with a
general understanding. Yes, our incredible brains can work against us, but new positive neural
pathways and habits can form.
The Porn Circuit | 5