In this next thought, I revisit a simply amazing conversation with Mark Shenton as we explore the essential conversation around pornography, sex addiction, dopamine, and the search for validation.

Drawing from lived experience, this episode examines how early exposure to porn can quietly shape identity, self-worth, and behaviour, and why so many people struggle in silence. If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with sex, porn, or compulsive behaviours, this is an honest, grounded reflection that may challenge how you think about addiction and recovery.

This conversation looks at pornography not as a moral issue, but as a powerful neurological and emotional stimulus. We discuss how constant access can distort expectations around sex, intimacy, and body image, particularly for young people still forming a sense of self. The episode explores how porn can act as an entry point into more compulsive behaviours, how tolerance builds over time, and why the brain often cannot distinguish between digital stimulation and real human connection.

There is also a candid discussion about objectification, shame, and validation. How the pursuit of approval through sex can feel like relief in the moment, yet leave deeper emptiness afterwards. How dopamine highs mirror other addictions, followed by anxiety, depression, and regret. And how blurred boundaries between fantasy and reality can escalate behaviour in ways people never expected or planned.

Importantly, this episode does not stay in the problem. It speaks openly about recovery, meetings, and the quiet power of sharing honestly with others who understand. It reflects on love addiction, emotional attachment, and the difference between intimacy and intensity. It also highlights how meaning and stability can slowly replace compulsive coping mechanisms through connection, service, and telling the truth about our experiences.

This is not a sensational story. It is a human one. A reminder that addiction often begins as an attempt to soothe pain, that many people are walking similar paths behind closed doors, and that help exists long before things fall apart completely. If this resonates, you are not alone, and you do not have to work it out by yourself.

Listen or watch THE FULL EPISODE

Spotify - https://bit.ly/3WCXK5s

YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Ytj4f7

Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ

About the “THOUGHT” series -

Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons.

Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773e

For anyone struggling with these topics Mark suggests reaching out to -

SLAA - https://slaauk.org

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1

Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal

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#pornaddiction #slaa #recovery