Breaking the Spell
Pornography, Passive Screens, and the Neuroscience of Compulsion
by Robert Henry
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Pub Date Jun 16 2026 | Archive Date Dec 31 2026
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Description
ENDORSED BY #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR GARY CHAPMAN, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST ROY F. BAUMEISTER, PhD, DUKE UNIVERSITY PSYCHIATRIST HAROLD G. KOENIG, MD, BLACK HAWK DOWN VETERAN AND AUTHOR JEFF STRUECKER, AND OTHER RESPECTED LEADERS IN PSYCHOLOGY, NEUROSCIENCE, FAITH, AND HUMAN FLOURISHING.
“For all who are struggling with porn addiction, and for those who want to help those who are, this book will be a welcome pathway to understanding and breaking the bond. I highly recommend it.” — Gary Chapman, PhD, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The 5 Love Languages®
“For people whose lives have been damaged by pornography watching, Robert Henry offers a wise and thoughtful path to recover. Based on scientific research, personal experience of struggle, and professional experience as a military chaplain, he lays out one promising method that may especially bring hope to those who wish to break from pornography addiction.” — Roy F. Baumeister, PhD, New York Times bestselling co-author of Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength
“What makes this book unique is its integration of faith and science. Drawing on neuroscience, Chaplain Henry highlights how prolonged and passive screen time has measurable effects on the brain, weakening judgment, decision-making, and impulse control. This insight is both sobering and hopeful.” — Harold G. Koenig, MD, MHSc, Duke University Medical Center
What if the battle isn't just about pornography?
What if the deeper issue is an overstimulated brain living in a world designed to capture and consume our attention?
Many of us struggle with behaviors that quietly erode focus, discipline, motivation, relationships, and personal well-being. For some, it's pornography. For others, it's endless scrolling, binge-watching, overeating, alcohol, procrastination, or the constant pull of digital stimulation.What if pornography isn't the root problem—but one symptom of a much larger attention crisis?
Millions of people find themselves trapped in patterns they never intended: pornography, endless scrolling, binge-watching, procrastination, overeating, and other compulsive habits that quietly erode focus, motivation, relationships, and purpose.
What if the deeper issue is an overstimulated brain living in a world designed to capture and consume our attention?
In Breaking the Spell, military chaplain Robert Henry explores a surprising connection between passive screen consumption, impulse control, and compulsive behavior. Drawing from neuroscience, behavioral psychology, personal experience, and years of helping others navigate life's challenges, Henry examines how overstimulation can weaken our ability to regulate desires, make sound decisions, and stay aligned with our goals.
But this book is not about shame, fear, or condemnation.
It is about understanding how the brain works—and learning practical ways to strengthen it.
Inside you'll discover:
• Why compulsive behaviors are often harder to break than we realize
• How passive screen habits affect attention, motivation, and impulse control
• Why modern digital environments can hijack attention, motivation, and impulse control
• The BTS Method for resetting and rebuilding healthier habits
• Practical strategies to regain clarity, discipline, resilience, and lasting freedom
Whether you're personally struggling, supporting someone who is, or simply trying to live with greater intention in an age of distraction, Breaking the Spell offers a compassionate, thought-provoking, and practical roadmap toward lasting change.
Freedom begins by understanding what is holding us captive.
Advance Praise
"For all who are struggling with porn addiction, and for those who want to help those who are, this book will be a welcome pathway to understanding and breaking the bond. I highly recommend it."
-Gary Chapman, Ph.D. - #1 New York Times bestselling author of The 5 love languages®
"For people whose lives have been damaged by pornography watching, Robert Henry offers a wise and thoughtful path to recover. Based on scientific research, personal experience of struggle, and professional experience as a military chaplain, he lays out one promising method that may especially bring hope to those who wish to break from pornography addiction."
- Roy F. Baumeister, PhD - New York Times bestselling co-author of Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength
"What makes this book unique is its integration of faith and science. Drawing on neuroscience, Chaplain Henry highlights how prolonged and passive screen time has measurable effects on the brain, weakening judgment, decision-making, and impulse control. This insight is both sobering and hopeful."
- Dr. Harold G. Koenig - Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences; Director, Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health, Duke University Medical Center
"This book is a warrior's field manual for fighting one of the toughest internal battles. Like any good warrior, Robert knows the enemy, the battle tactics, and the plan for victory. I highly recommend this book to any warrior fighting for purity, on or off the battlefield."
- Jeff Struecker - US Army Ranger (Ret.), Black Hawk Down Veteran, Chaplain, Author
"The question is not simply whether pornography is harmful, but how we can help people break free from its grip. Robert Henry has written with extraordinary transparency a well-researched and practical guide toward lasting freedom."
- Bob Page - Brigadier General, USAF (Ret.), Chaplain
"The pursuit of focus, discipline, and self-mastery spans all generations and beliefs. In Breaking the Spell, Chaplain Henry offers a sharp, practical guide to overcoming modern distractions and building lasting resilience and growth. A timely and valuable resource."
- Chaplain (COL} Khallid Shabazz, PhD, U.S. Army
"Chaplain Robert Henry offers something rare: a roadmap that bridges faith and science with clarity, compassion, and practical wisdom. Breaking the Spell is both deeply honest and profoundly hopeful."
- Mark Gungor - Author of laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage; Lead Pastor, Celebration Church
"Henry's insistence that faith and evidence-based practice belong at the same table gives readers both hope and a credible, actionable approach to recovery."
- Dr. Jim Browning - Colonel, USAF (Ret.); Board Certified Chaplain (Ret.); Director, Marsh Institute for Chaplains
"Breaking the Spell earns its place in the essential literature on men's recovery by powerfully integrating neuroscience, psychology, and faith into a clear, practical framework without shame or shortcuts."
- Dr. MyRon Edmonds - Founder & CEO, The Men's Winning Circle
"There's so much more here than recovering from pornography addiction. The research on the neuroscience driving compulsive behavior sheds light on all compulsive behaviors, especially our new and harmful obsession with passive screen time. This book is a most worthwhile read."
- Vesela Simic - Professional Editor
Marketing Plan
Breaking the Spell will be promoted through a multi-channel campaign that includes social media outreach on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, as well as engagement with podcast hosts, book reviewers, faith-based leaders, mental health professionals, and military audiences. Advance review copies are being distributed through NetGalley, ARC teams, and review services to generate early reviews and word-of-mouth awareness. The author will leverage his platform as a U.S. Air Force chaplain, speaking engagements, podcast appearances, and partnerships with influencers in the areas of recovery, mental health, personal growth, and faith. Amazon advertising and targeted online promotion will support continued visibility following launch.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9798993617428 |
| PRICE | |