We'd like to create a mobile APP for people to get instant chizuk when they are triggered. It will have Inspirational images, sayings, Turn-Off images, as well as short, motivational thoughts of inspiration.

We're looking for your help. Please send us your short motivational thoughts, images, sayings etc. Especially the ones that you found most powerful in your OWN journey. Send them to: eyes.guard@gmail.com

Thank you.

There are 3 reasons why sexual abuse can play a strong role in sexual addiction later on in life.

1) The abuse leaves emotional scars that remain in the person's subconscious for life. Such a person may feel pain deep down, making them more prone to using "self-medicating" behaviors that help sooth their inner pain.

2) When a person is abused, they are helpless and lack control over their circumstances. Later in life, this person may attempt to assert "control" by sexually acting-out by themselves. Subconsciously, they are seeking to regain a feeling of "control" over what they felt was out of their control, by using the same behavior that was done to them. (This is also why many abused tragically become abusers themselves).

3) As we can see in the excerpt below, early exposure to any drug makes the user much more at risk. The sexual abuse exposed the victim to sexuality prematurely.

From an article on Retorno.com, re - the risk factors of addiction:

Individuals who are predisposed to addiction, impulsivity, compulsivity, depression or anxiety – usually thanks to a combination of genetic and environmental influences – have added risk and need to be extremely careful.

Studies show that genetic factors can increase or decrease the risk for addiction, usually by altering the ways in which a particular substance or activity is experienced in the body and brain. Genetic makeup also plays into many psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, among others. And it's well-known that individuals dealing with these emotionally painful issues often choose to compulsively “self-medicate” with an addictive substance or behavior.

Nevertheless, genetics are not entirely to blame. In fact, research indicates that environmental factors are equally at play. For instance, if someone was neglected or abused in childhood their risk of addiction jumps, just as it does if they were exposed to addictive substances or behaviors early in life. (The younger a person is when he or she first uses an addictive substance or starts an addictive behavior, the greater the risk of developing an addiction.) So it appears that most addicts become addicted thanks to a convergence of risk factors – typically a mixture of genetic predisposition, poor parenting and early exposure to the drug and its effects.

Addicts have a problem -- their addiction. I had a problem -- my addiction and my inability to overcome it.

It is brought down from the Chassidic Masters: "MiBeSaRI" Echeze Elokah - "And from my flesh, I shall see G-d," (Iyov, 19:26.) - The word "MiBeSaRI" is an acronym for "Mi'Toras Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai" - In other words, from the Torah of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, I shall see G-d. (Zohar Bereshit 94a) 
Another explained the verse: "And from my flesh, I shall see G-d," (Iyov, 19:26.) What is the meaning of "And from my flesh?" It would be more proper to say, "from my inner essence." However, "my flesh" is to be understood literally (as being the place of the Brit,) as in the verse, "and the holy flesh is removed from thee," (Yirmeyahu, 11:15,) and also, "and my Brit shall be in your flesh," (Bereshit, 17:13.) 

Do you have a problem with obsessive and compulsive porn use? Have you seriously tried the tools on GYE and feel that you are not getting better? Maybe it’s time to consider joining a 12-Step program.

Porn Anonymous (PA)
If you’re compulsively acting-out with pornography and masturbation we suggest you explore joining Porn Anonymous (PA). If you need help deciding whether to join PA, call Michael at 347-699-2368, or email help@pornanonymous.org to schedule a time to talk. For more information visit pornanonymous.org (Hebrew: p-a.org.il / Yiddish: pa-yid.org).

Sexaholics Anonymous (SA)
If your compulsive acting-out has progressed beyond the screen (with other people, paid sexual services, etc.) we suggest you explore joining Sexaholics Anonymous (SA). To figure out if SA is for you, call Dov at 917-414-8205, or email Dov at dov@guardyoureyes.org to schedule a time to talk. For more information visit www.sa.org.