When the Craving Hits: Why You Need a Plan With Dr. Kevin Skinner (Season 1 - Episode #4)

When the Craving Hits: Why You Need a Plan

🧠 Episode Summary:

In this episode of Reclaim: Healing from Pornography and Rebuilding Your Life, Dr. Kevin Skinner dives into one of the most critical elements of long-term recovery—understanding and managing cravings and urges. He explains the nuanced difference between cravings (a mental and physical longing) and urges (a strong physiological compulsion), and why recognizing both is essential for lasting change.

Dr. Skinner emphasizes the importance of being prepared for “crucial moments,” when cravings intensify and decision-making becomes impaired. Drawing on brain research, real-life examples, and the science of dopamine, he outlines why a customized, pre-planned strategy dramatically increases the likelihood of success. The episode also covers the emotional toll of relapses, the reality of withdrawal symptoms, and the importance of patience and self-awareness in the healing process.

Listeners are encouraged to begin identifying their patterns and triggers, and to start drafting a personalized game plan to weather the storm of temptation.

🧰 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

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  Sexual Stress Inventory
  
  [Free assessment to evaluate the core areas impacted by pornography use]

  
  


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  Recovery Capital Scale
  
  [Measure your internal and external resources for long-term recovery success]

  
  


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  Reclaim Online Course
  
  A guided 12-week course designed to help individuals understand the roots of their behavior, develop effective strategies, and build sustainable healing. Includes weekly live Q&A with Dr. Kevin Skinner.

  
  


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  Book Recommendation:
  
  Changing for Good by James Prochaska — foundational research on the stages of behavior change and why most people don’t succeed the first time.