'Fifty Shades of Grey' Will Cause Sex Addiction Outbreak

If you were planning to see Fifty Shades of Grey this weekend, you could be in for an erotic thriller with effects that last long after the movie is over.

The blockbuster based on the much-talked-about book could put movie-goers at risk for sex addiction. At least, according to Joel Hesch, a law professor at Jerry Falwell's Liberty University and founder of Proven Men Ministries, who said this week that the film’s release could lead to “an aftermath of addiction and affairs.”

“Viewing even soft-core pornography can quickly turn into a very real addiction,” said Hesch. “Just like drug or alcohol use, what starts off as a seemingly innocent or fun act can quickly spiral out of control; if left uncheck, it will consume your time, energy, and resources.”

Proven Men Ministries is a Christ-centered religious organization that focuses on helping men suffering from porn and sex addiction. They promote recovery through an intense 12-week Bible study, claiming on their website that “programs and self-help efforts do not bring lasting results. This is because the roots that feed sexual impurity and keep sin alive remain untreated.”

Hesch founded the ministry after "breaking free” from addiction himself. “God guided me to form Proven Men and keeps filling me with passion to help other men achieve sexual integrity,” he said.

According to a recent survey by the organization, 18% of all men, or about 21 million people, are currently addicted to or “unsure if they’re addicted to” porn. Hesch believes the upcoming movie, based on the popular novel by E.L. James, will boost these numbers by planting the seeds of addictive behavior.

“This movie is all about living out wild sexual fantasy combined with graphic pornographic scenes,” he said. “That’s a recipe for both sexual addiction and affairs.”

The ominous warning is unlikely to dissuade people from flocking in droves to see Fifty Shades, which is expected to rake in $60 million in ticket sales on opening weekend.