Healing Through Faith, Accountability, and the Savior’s Love
“The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.” – Samuel Johnson
Pornography addiction is one of the most hidden yet widespread struggles in the Church today. It touches lives across all ages, wards, and leadership callings. And despite its silence, it is anything but rare. According to a study by Barna Group, 64% of Christian men and 15% of Christian women say they view pornography at least once a month. The numbers are higher among younger adults.
This guide offers LDS resources for pornography addiction, including the Church’s 12-step Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) and spiritual tools for long-term healing. We also explore Church help for overcoming pornography and how clinical supports like faith based rehab, Mormon rehab, or even detox to rehab may play a role in deeper recovery.
Whether you’re in Utah or anywhere across the world, you are not alone. Recovery is possible. And it begins with honesty, hope, and the Savior.
Understanding the Dangers of Pornography Addiction
Pornography may seem like a “less serious” sin to some, but its consequences are far-reaching. It changes the brain, distorts human connection, and separates individuals from the Spirit.
The Science Behind the Struggle
Porn use activates the brain’s reward system just like drugs or alcohol. Over time, this creates dependency. Dopamine floods the brain, but tolerance builds. Users need more explicit content to feel the same excitement, leading to deeper addiction and shame.
Spiritual Disconnection
For Latter-day Saints, pornography often leads to isolation from Church activity, decreased prayer, and a feeling of unworthiness. Many stop taking the sacrament, speaking with leaders, or participating in family worship.
But the truth is—this is the moment they need help the most.
LDS Resources for Pornography Addiction: Where to Begin
The Church provides a number of resources to support members who want to change. These tools are rooted in gospel principles and focus on healing through Christ.
Addiction Recovery Program (ARP)
The 12-step ARP program is one of the most powerful tools the Church offers. Modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous but centered on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the program offers in-person and virtual group meetings where participants can:
- Work through the steps in a gospel-centered workbook
- Hear from others in recovery
- Pray, study scriptures, and build accountability
- Receive Church leader support
Step 1 begins with honesty. Step 2 introduces the hope of the Savior. Step 3 helps individuals turn their will over to God.
Meetings are anonymous, free, and available in most areas, especially in Utah and other Latter-day Saint-populated states.
Church-Approved Resources Online
In addition to meetings, the Church offers digital tools including:
- Overcoming Pornography Website
- ARP meeting locator
- Church videos and articles on healing from pornography
- Youth and family guidance for prevention and support
Church Help for Overcoming Pornography: Leadership and Family Roles
How Bishops Can Help
Many members hesitate to speak with their bishop out of fear or shame. But bishops are trained to respond with love and compassion. They are not therapists, but spiritual mentors who can:
- Offer counsel and spiritual support
- Guide members to ARP
- Provide priesthood blessings
- Help restore worthiness through repentance
Confession is not about punishment. It’s the first step in being set free.
Family Support
Loved ones can play a huge role in recovery by:
- Avoiding judgmental language
- Encouraging participation in ARP or therapy
- Attending spouse or family support meetings
- Praying together and setting spiritual goals
Pornography addiction affects relationships deeply—but it’s also possible to rebuild trust, intimacy, and shared faith over time.
When Additional Help Is Needed: Rehab and Recovery Suppor
Sometimes, especially when pornography is part of a wider pattern of addiction (including substances or sexual behavior), outside support is needed. That’s where rehabs can help.
Faith Based Rehab and Mormon Rehab
Some faith based rehab centers—including Mormon rehab tracks—combine spiritual and clinical treatment. They may include:
- LDS values and gospel instruction
- Licensed therapy (CBT, EMDR, etc.)
- Support groups and addiction education
- Resources for families and spouses
These programs help treat the root causes of addiction—trauma, anxiety, shame—while strengthening spiritual foundations.
Detox to Rehab Programs
Though pornography does not require medical detox, many who suffer from it also struggle with drugs or alcohol. Detox to rehab programs help stabilize individuals medically and emotionally so they can begin deeper healing.
Sober Living Environments
After rehab, sober living homes provide daily accountability. For someone battling addiction, a structured environment helps establish routines, spiritual practices, and healthy coping mechanisms.
The Church’s Doctrine on Healing and Hope
The Atonement Is for Everyone
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said:
“However late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed… I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love.”
The gospel is not about shame. It’s about change.
Pornography addiction is not stronger than the Atonement. It can be overcome through grace, effort, and time.
Forgiveness Is Real
Repentance is not a punishment—it is the Savior’s invitation to be made whole. Through the power of the Atonement, individuals can:
- Regain self-worth
- Feel the Spirit again
- Rebuild relationships
- Serve and lead again in the Church
Recovery Is Possible: Start Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with pornography addiction, here are immediate steps to take:
Attend an ARP Meeting
Find a local or virtual meeting at arp.churchofjesuschrist.org
Talk to Your Bishop
Don’t wait. A simple conversation can open the door to real change.
Explore Additional Help
Look into faith based rehab, sober living, or clinical counseling options that align with your values.
Use Church Resources
Visit the Church’s Overcoming Pornography site for guided help and spiritual support.
You Are Not Alone
This post was created to be a hub for healing—a starting point for those ready to reclaim their identity and worth. LDS resources for pornography addiction are available, inspired, and effective. With the Savior, change is not only possible—it is promised.
Don’t wait to find peace. You are loved. You are worthy. And you are never too far gone to come back.
