The “Abuse Cycle” Part One—The Impact of Abuse on Addiction

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