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Ministering Resources: Overcoming Pornography

Pornography is any material depicting or describing the human body or sexual conduct in a
way that arouses sexual feelings. Those who struggle with pornography use may experiment
with and seek more powerful stimulation. Most individuals with pornography issues feel
ashamed and have a low sense of self-worth. Expressing love and gratitude to the individual
for coming forward is an important step to help the member overcome the problem.

Refer to the introduction to Ministering Resources as you invite members to seek spiritual
help and healing through the power of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. 

Understand the Situation

While pornography use is inherently addictive, not all who struggle with pornography
issues are addicted. Prayerfully consider asking questions like these to help you better
understand the member’s pornography use and discern his or her needs.

What e ect has pornography use had on your life?

What has helped so far in overcoming this challenge?
How have you implemented gospel principles in overcoming this
challenge?

If you become aware of any viewing, purchasing, or distributing of child pornography,

contact the bishop. 

Help the Individual

As you help the member understand principles of self-reliance, consider using some of
the following suggestions.

Teach the member the  doctrine of agency  and help the member understand that any
problem or addiction can be conquered through the Atonement.
 Help the member understand the enabling and redeeming
power of the Atonement.
Help the member see his or her identity as a child of God and
recognize his or her own individual strengths, talents, and abilities.

Help the member identify the most common situations that increase the temptation to
use pornography.

Determine the “where,” “when,” and “how” of each situation

(consider access to and use of media, such as magazines, books,
television, movies, music, the Internet, and so on).
Explore the feelings behind those situations (such as bored, lonely,
angry, stressed, or tired).

Help the member plan ways to limit access to pornography

Install an Internet lter and allow others access to mobile devices,

computers, and passwords.

Encourage the member to practice replacing unclean thoughts immediately.

Think of memorized scriptures and hymns, or recall uplifting

images or memories.

Invite the member to discuss the issue with his or her spouse or a parent.

Invite the member to meet regularly with a trusted mentor to discuss progress.

Encourage the member to seek professional counseling.

Invite the member to attend local Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) or Pornography
Addiction Support Group (PASG) meetings.

Support the Family

Pornography addiction impacts family members as well as the individual. Determine the
impact on the member's spouse or family and address those issues.

Discuss any possible fear, worry, or lack of trust.

Invite the family members to attend the  Addiction Recovery Program spouse and
family support group or a similar support group. 

Encourage family members to review the resources for family on

OvercomingPornography.org.
 Help family members understand how the Savior can help them personally heal,
regardless of whether their loved one overcomes the addiction (see  Alma
7:11 and Matthew 11:28-30).

Use Ward and Stake Resources

Consider asking ward leaders or other trusted individuals to provide continuing support,
guidance and assistance. Request the individual’s permission before discussing the
situation with others.

Identify a trusted person to be a mentor for the member and have them meet regularly.

The mentor should be someone of the same gender and ideally

someone who has overcome this issue.

Visit arp.lds.org to nd local ARP or PASG meetings for the member to attend. If no local
program exists, consider contacting the stake president to start one.

Identify local resources that provide services in harmony with gospel principles.

Resources may include professional counselors, treatment

programs or centers, and government agencies.

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