People who are addicted to pornography show similar brain activity to alcoholics or drug addicts, according to a new a studyby Cambridge University neuroscientist Dr. Valerie Voon. Findings of the study were featured on a TV documentary titled “Porn on the Brain” on British Channel 4which was aired on September 30.
Dr. Valerie Voon, who specialises in addiction studies, tested 19 heavy porn users’ brain activity against a control group who were not compulsive users. When shown pornography, the reward center of normal volunteers barely reacted, but that of the compulsive porn users responded strongly, showing clear parallels with those who suffer from substance addictions.
Martin Daubney, former editor of a magazine that frequently publishes nudity and lewd photo spreads, commented on the documentary in the British newspaper Daily Mail.
Daubney, who has defended pornography in the past, claiming it was our freedom of choice to watch it and it could actually help add to adult relationships, says that during the making of “Porn on the Brain,” he has since changed his opinion forever. In his opinion piece, he made a call of action to parents, and included that letting children consume pornography freely was like “leaving heroin lying around the house, or handing out vodka at the school gates.”
While the results of this study seem to have created quite a stir for many unaware of pornography’s addictive and destructive nature, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has helped warn, prevent, and provide recovery services for those caught in pornography’s grip for many years.
President Thomas S. Monson, today’s president of the Church, said at a the Church’s general conferencein 1979: “The constant, consuming march of […] pornography [...] blights neighborhoods just as it contaminates human lives. Some are particularly scarred by its insidious touch.”
Elder Richard G. Scott of the Qorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “The onslaught of pornography in all of its vicious, corroding destructive forms has caused great grief, suffering, heartache, and destroyed marriages. It is one of the most damning influences on earth […] If you are ensnarled in pornography, make a total commitment to overcome it now. Find a quiet place; pray urgently for help and support. Be patient and obedient. Don’t give up.” Elder Scott then goes on to advice parents to be aware that this type of addiction can begin with youth at a very early age and to take preventative action.
In the April 2005 general conference, Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles urged, “Let us all improve our personal behavior and redouble our efforts to protect our loved ones and our environment from the onslaught of pornography.”
In April of 2013, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released an anti-pornography websitethat focuses on the power of the atonement of Jesus Christ.