Day 14

The Addiction Cycle

This week I was driving to an appointment. Before I realized what happened, I missed my turn. I was driving to my gym. I didn’t plan to go to the gym, but I was going anyway. I had traveled that way so many times before, it was automatic. I was subconsciously traveling that familiar road even when I didn’t want to!

When someone repeatedly acts out sexually, they develop certain patterns that make up their addictive cycle. This engrained pattern becomes subconscious and they often travel it when they planned not to. It is important to understand this, so they can address what is happening.

Today's lesson will help you identify harmful patterns that can keep you stuck!

God says in His Word, "The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways" (Proverbs 14:8). The wise person evaluates what they do and why they do it. Today's lesson will help you identify harmful patterns that can keep you stuck in sin.

Today’s Challenge: 

1. Watch the video The Addiction Cycle.
2. Answer the reflection questions. 

One way you can apply Proverbs 14:8 to “give thought to your ways” is to think through how and why you progress through the sexual addiction cycle. 

Reflection Questions:

1. What are the stages of the sexual addiction cycle?
2. What are some of those things that typically turn your thoughts to sexual fantasy? What can you do to avoid being triggered?
3. In the video I said, "Most men don't realize that they have routines that precede their acting out, but learning to see the patterns is crucial." What are some of your routines that precede you acting out?
4. What roadblocks or boundaries can you put in place to stop your routines and interrupt the cycle?