Confronting Pornography: A Guide to Prevention and Recovery for Individuals, Loved Ones, and Leaders

by Mark D. Chamberlain

The scourge of pornography. Even well-meaning Latter-day Saints can be trapped in its snare, lured by curiosity and the pervading influence of the media. "Continued exposure leads to addiction that is almost impossible to break," warns President Gordon B. Hinckley. "Men, so very many, find they cannot leave it alone. Their energies and their interests are consumed in their dead=end pursuit of this raw and sleazy fare." The common lament of many "I wanted to stop, but I didn’t know how." Confronting Pornography is filled with answers. A collection of articles from professional counselors, leaders, and individuals who have dealt with pornography problems personally, this useful book is an invaluable resource. It offers understanding, powerful tools based in gospel principles, and, most of all, hope.

Genres: Psychology, Lds, Religion, Self Help, Spirituality, Nonfiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be required reading for......everyone. It is one of the most helpful and hopeful collections of direct, clear, accurate information on this difficult and prevolent subject. Sadly, this is no longer a topic that can be avoided just because "you're not into porn." After only a few pages it becomes painfully clear that pornography affects EVERYONE in some way or another. This book provides direction for addicts, those married to adicts, parents of addicts, relatives and friends of addicts, and makes it very clear what the consequences for addiction are. However, my favorite part of this read is the profound hope that is weaved throughout every page. There is no "frosting" on the reality of what it takes to overcome addiction, but this book gives practical advice, endless resources for help, and a promise of healing through hard work and the Savior. Get it, read it, read it again. Someone you love will thank you.

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a collection of essays. Some are better written and more helpful than others. Overall, there is definitely some good information in this book.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great resource to me as I work to help individuals recover from their struggles with pornography. There are multiple good chapters to share with clients.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently heard Dan Gray, one of the authors, give a presentation on this topic at a church seminar. I attended this lecture as part of my responsibilities for church, but as a mother and grandmother, it made me more aware of this awful addiction that plagues our society and made me even more concerned for my family. I wish I had had this knowledge when my children were younger. This is such an important topic for all to know about, but especially parents in the process of raising children. Dr. Gray mentioned in his talk that the average age at which a child is exposed to pornography is now 8 years old. That means that the teaching about this subject needs to start way before that.

This book is a collection of writings by professionals in the field of recovery from porn addiction. It is also geared toward an LDS (Mormon) audience with the Atonement of Christ playing a very large role in the recovery process. The essays are divided into 3 parts: Understanding the Issues and Preventing Problems, Supporting Those Who Struggle, and Overcoming a Pornography Problem. To me, some of the topics were more relevant than others, but for someone either dealing with the problem or living with someone with the addiction, I would imagine that the information in this book would be extremely helpful.

I learned a lot reading this book, and feel that all could benefit from being educated on this topic.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

In today's world, everyone should have this in their library.

Tonight at tithing settlement I saw this book on my Bishop's desk and I said, "Oh, I LOVE that book!" And he responded, "They should gives cases of this book to Bishops!" Then he proceeded to tell me how he handles the issue (following the advice of this book) and I was just so so happy that he's my Bishop because he really takes this seriously--he reads to women from the book to make sure they know it's not their fault, he makes it clear that the husband must be fastidiously honest, he asks the men to call him when they feel tempted, and he makes it clear that they're hooked on the most addictive substance possible whose side effects may not reveal themselves until they've lost the affection of their wives and their marriages and whose potency does not wear off or lead one to ever hit rock bottom, but rather leads them to worse and worse behavior all the while numbing them to how bad it really is...

[Justin Metcalf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've given a lot of thought into whether or not I was ready to review this book. I've had the cloud of shame that accompanies addiction for 18 years. In March of 2012, I began my battle with pornography addiction. This book, along with professional counseling, has helped me foster a new kind of relationship with Jesus Christ. I am clean now, and forgiven. More importantly, I have learned ways to stay "sober", so to speak. These authors give countless ideas and guidance backed by scripture and prophetic counsel, and share experiences that other addicts have learned along the way. Read it, take notes, and make the change.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, if you got this far in my list you might be wondering about this one. I'll just say I found this book immensely helpful and moving. I think the title is quite direct and says it all. Each chapter was written by a different person, with a different angle. Some were less helpful than others, but overall great. This book has earned the highest place of book honor: it sits on my toilet, an esteemed place of high reading. But hey, I'm actually reading it again, but didn't want to draw too much attention to it by putting it in my "currently reading" list. Hehheh.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent source for preventing, dealing with, and healing pornography addictions. Unfortunately pornography is rampant and everywhere in our society today; even the best can fall into it and cause devastation in their families. This book helps not only the addicted, but their families find understanding and healing.

[Stanley Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best book I've read on confronting a pornography addiction. This book addresses why pornography is destructive and how the addiction is perpetuated in the first section. The second section has chapters for spouses and leaders. The third section is all about ending the addiction and recognizing withdraw, etc.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books written for anyone who wants to understand how to help themselves of someone they love who struggles with pornography addiction.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great resource for helping individuals who struggle with pornography addictions.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a MUST READ concerning a very real and ever increasing problem!

[Jeff Nielson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book on a lot of levels but I really liked it becuase I saw the truth in it!

[Clinton King · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a series of essays that will give anyone an introduction to the detrimental effects of pornography use on the user and his loved ones.

[Jennifer Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

My dad gave this to all the adults in our family. An excellent resource for those interested in prevention as well as recovery.

[Kevin Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of essays from "individuals, loved ones, ... leaders," and professionals. Well chosen, helpful.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of info on prevention and recovery.