In Episode 15 of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, hosts Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss the often hidden struggle of lust and pornography addiction within the Church and society. They cover how the Twelve Steps, Catholic spirituality, and the sacraments can offer healing and freedom. They also explore the definition of lust addiction beyond pornography, the criteria for identifying process addictions, and various pathways to recovery, emphasizing the importance of 12-step programs and radical life shifts for true healing.

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Introduction

• Welcome and Episode Topic: Lust and pornography addiction.
• Introduction of Hosts: Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley.
• Shout-outs: Intro/outro music and editor.
• Hosts' check-in:
  • Father Sean: Transitioning out of parish life, emotions, Pope news.
  • Scott: Catholic in Recovery updates, media opportunities, fundraising, and family time.

Lust Addiction and Recovery

• Defining Lust Addiction: Beyond pornography, self-indulgent fantasies.
• Sexual Addiction as a Thing: Acknowledging it while also recognizing it as sin.
• Process Addictions: 10 criteria:
  • Loss of control
  • Compulsive behavior
  • Efforts to stop (which fail)
  • Loss of time
  • Preoccupation
  • Covering it up
  • Inability to fulfill obligations
  • Continuing despite consequences
  • Escalating
  • Withdrawal symptoms
• Seeking Help:
  • Common patterns: Therapy, priest, but often trying to minimize involvement.
  • Shame and fear as barriers.
  • "Just need to pray more" or self-punishment attempts.
  • Limitations of just more prayer or counseling alone.
  • Emphasis on 12-step recovery meetings (SA, Catholic in Recovery).
  • Need for radical life shift.
  • Rationalizations.
• Uniqueness vs. Shared Experiences:
  • Sexuality as personal, but shared experiences in addiction.
  • Importance of finding a group with sobriety experience.
  • Challenges of lust sobriety versus other addictions.
  • Detailed check-ins and overcoming shame.

Hope and Solutions

• Retracing Steps: Especially for trauma-based addiction.
• Trauma and Therapy: Need for PTSD specialists if trauma is a root cause.
• Using Lust for Mood Regulation: Requires therapeutic work alongside 12-step.
• Sober Emotions: Rediscovering life in "color."
• One Year of Sobriety: Importance of long-term commitment.
• True Freedom: Not just for a short period, but true and lasting freedom.
• Possible to Not Look with Lust: Overcoming the "once an addict, always an addict" mentality.
• Seeing True Beauty: In life and others.

Church and Lust Addiction

• Denial in the Church: About the enslavement of sexual sin.
• Separating Compulsive Behaviors from Abusive Behaviors.
• Formation for Priests: The Importance of addressing addictions before ordination.
• Freedom for Married People: Sex as optional, not an obligation.
• Normalization: Of young people's exposure to pornography.
• Need for Open Communication: Within families.
• Amoris Laetitia: Children need education to shun things that cripple love.
• Normal Biological Functions: Lack of education and resulting shame.

Conclusion

• Future Topics: Betrayal trauma, love addiction, Dr. Kevin Skinner.
• Call for Questions: Email podcast@catholicinrecovery.com.
• Encouragement to Subscribe: To podcast platforms.
• Hope and Help: Available for those struggling with lust addiction.
• Importance of Seeking Help: Overcoming fear and shame.
• Prayer: By Father Sean Kilcawley.
• Closing Remarks and God Blessings.