Pornography isn’t harmless. It damages people psychologically and hinders their ability to have a meaningful relationship.

That was the message from Michael Leahy, a self-described former pornography addict and founder of BraveHearts, a grass-roots organization that fights porn. Leahy was in the Student Center ballroom yesterday to present his program “Porn Nation: The Naked Truth.”

Leahy travels around the country talking to students and parents about the dangers of pornography. He is the author of several books about the effects of pornography and has appeared on national network television programs discussing the topic. Leahy estimates that 40 million Americans watch porn daily.

Leahy told the small crowd of students that the idea that pornography is harmless is a “false truth.” It is also a “false truth” that pornography doesn’t hurt anyone, he said.

“Every addict has a faulty belief system,” he said. “They are afraid to get help because they don’t think they will be accepted.”

He used his own story to illustrate the harm of pornography. He said his pornography addiction cost him his marriage, his family, his career, his reputation and brought him to the brink of suicide.

Leahy said his Christian faith helped him beat his addiction and he wants to help others. He has addressed more than 100,000 college students on more than 150 campuses.