Book Review: Porn Nation

I recently read Porn Nation: Conquering America's #1 Addiction by Michael Leahy. You may not know Michael Leahy's name, but if you saw a picture of him, you would know exactly who he is. He has appeared on the 20/20 and The View discussing America's problem with sexuality. He also has been on Oprah - who is the one who stated that sex is America's #1 addiction.

The book is interesting in that it starts out explaining his journey to becoming a sex addict. He starts out like every kid does - seeing porn for the first time as a preteen. But from there, it progressed. First, slowly. But then as he reached college age and beyond, the addiction grew rapidly.

As a counselor, what was most interesting to me was that his childhood was not extraordinary. No sexual abuse. His parents were present. But it was able to happen just based on life experiences and what became available to him.

This led me to really reflect on our culture, which is what I believe is his hope from this book. I live in a town where under a mile from me is an "Adult Store." Drive up and down the highway in the area and you are sure to find an Adult Novelty Store. How long will it take my sons to go from trying to rent movies on our blocked channels to going to see live dancers at a local establishment?

Our culture is truly inundated with sexuality. Watch any tv show. Pick up any magazine. Go to the beach. You can buy a bikini for your 9 month old daughter. And in the internet age, all you need to do is search. It's there.

Leahy willingly opens his heart to us to tell us all about his dirty laundry. There is even a chapter that is journal articles written by his exwife about what they were going through. What a strong woman she must be to be willing to have her name and her life exposed in such a way. I admire their courage!

The end of the book reads a lot like a self-help manual, but even those not in the depth of addition can glean some wisdom. Anyone who counsels people with addiction should take a look at this book.