A 22-year-old man recounts the first time he discovered pornography.
He was 11 and was curious about some of the things his friends were talking about.
By 12, he found it a daily habit. And by 13, he had to tell his parents.
Now, at the age of 22, he's written a poem to express his perception of the addiction that has grasped him.
Watch his performance here.
Slam poet exposes porn addiction!www.youtube.com
In an interview with East Idaho Newsmakers, Joshua Peters discusses his addiction and how it affected him.
He felt it changed his moods, and his perception of women and relationships. At his peak, Joshua was watching up to three hours of porn every day.
The habit eventually led to the dissolution of his first relationship.
Joshua grew up in Massachusetts, a member of the Church of Latter-day Saints. He credits his faith with helping him but doesn't think you need religion to fight the addiction.
"My religious belief has helped me because I participated in a faith-based 12 step program where a lot relies on a higher power."
"But I do believe that addiction can be beaten through non-faith practices and beliefs, it was just what helped me."
"Either way, you have to think bigger than yourself. Whether it's doing it for religion, a spouse, a family, your kids or even the community you live in."
Going beyond the damage the addiction has done to his life, Joshua has also spoken against the porn industry as a whole. He credits BDSM with inspiring more sexual assault.
"Porn isn't something that you can justify having in your life."
"It affects relationships and the industry is messed up."
"It's a pointless past time and it engenders an environment that says sexual assault is okay and men and women are merely objects used for physical satisfaction."
Not everyone can get behind his message.
Joshua's story comes at a time when the discussion around pornography has evolved.
While there are those like Joshua who feel porn is only damaging, support for sex workers in reforming their industry to make it safer is being discussed more and more.
And the assertion that all porn is damaging is often countered by neuroscientists.
If you have any kind of addiction or a habit that is affecting your ability to live your daily life, you can find help. Reach out to family, friends, or a therapist and get started on getting your life back.
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