In this episode of Sunday School Dropouts, Andrew and Laura deconstruct the complex intersection of high control religion and the controversial labels of sex and porn addiction. They explore how purity culture utilizes shame-based language and abstinence-only messaging to pathologize normal sexual development, often through influential texts like Every Man’s Battle. The discussion clarifies that neither the DSM nor the WHO recognizes sex addiction as a clinical diagnosis. Instead, the hosts look at Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder through a scientific lens, focusing on impulse control and the nervous system rather than moral failure. By examining how these behaviors often serve as attempts to self-regulate in the face of ADHD, trauma, or anxiety, the episode reveals how the church frequently creates the very cycles of secrecy it claims to cure.

The conversation further examines the profound damage these teachings inflict on individuals and their relationships. For men, this often results in a fragmented identity and a narrative of being inherently predatory, while women are frequently burdened with hypervigilance and the responsibility of monitoring male behavior. These dynamics replace genuine intimacy with surveillance and enmeshment, eroding trust between partners. Andrew and Laura shift the focus toward a healthier path to healing that prioritizes somatic work, internal coping skills, and the reclamation of personal agency. By moving away from the "just stop" approach that consistently backfires, listeners are invited to consider a more compassionate, evidence-based understanding of sexual health and recovery.

This podcast is brought to you by the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery: an online trauma coaching company whose practitioners are trauma informed and trauma trained to work with individuals, couples and families who have experienced high control religion, cults, and religious trauma. For more information on the support that CTRR provides, for resources–including courses, workshops, and more–head to traumaresolutionandrecovery.com or follow us on Instagram: @traumaresolutionandrecovery

The views and opinions expressed by Sunday School Dropouts are those of the hosts and not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery. Any of the content provided by our guests, sponsors, authors, or bloggers are their own ideas and opinions.

The Sunday School Dropouts podcast is not anti-religion but it is anti -harm, -power and control, -oppression and, -abuse and will speak to the harmful practices and messaging of fundamentalist groups.

Follow Andrew on Instagram and TikTok @andrew_kerbs

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Follow Laura on Instagram and TikTok @drlauraeanderson or on her website: www.drlauraeanderson.com

To work with Laura as a coach, therapist, consultant, or to inquire about other services, you can do so here

Hosts:

Laura Anderson and Andrew Kerbs

Music by Benjamin Faye Music @heytherebenji

Sex and Porn Addiction: are these real things?