In this episode, Mark shares his own story of abuse as a child to illustrate how the "abuse cycle" is often directly related to addiction.

-  The "Abuse Cycle"—  1)  Tension Builds   2) the "Incident"   3)  Reconciliation   4)  the "Calm"

-  The Abuse Cycle is NOT an excuse for addiction but a VERY CRUCIAL EXPLANATION!

-  Remember that "abuse" is in the eye of the beholder:  what seems "minor" to one may be "deeply traumatic" to another.

-  Understanding an abusive history doesn't "fix" the pain or the addiction, but it is a critical "doorway" to healing and recovery.

Learn more about Mark and Steve's new online program—"Dare to Connect!" You have live access to Mark and Steve three times a week--addicts, spouses and couples! Visit—daretoconnectnow.com

Find out more about Steve Moore at:  Ascension Counseling

Learn more about Mark Kastleman at:  Reclaim Counseling Services

Here's an article about how to deal with a porn addict gaslighting you—https://www.reclaimcounselingservices.com/is-a-porn-addict-gaslighting-you

Here's an article regarding how pornography can create a "drug-like-dependence"—https://www.reclaimcounselingservices.com/is-pornography-a-drug-addiction