How to Help Someone with a Porn Addiction Today
Clinical Review by:
Published:
Jul 30, 2024
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01:58 p.m.
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Updated:
Sep 16, 2024
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02:37 p.m.
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The topic of porn addiction is complex for multiple reasons. As we will explore, there are differing views of if it’s truly an addiction in a medical sense, what qualifies as a porn addiction, and if it is part of the umbrella term “hypersexual disorder.” It is notably not listed in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition)
To help someone who may have problematic pornography-related behaviors, it can be helpful to have a strong understanding of the causes and impacts. One clear-cut factor behind pornography addiction in today’s digital age is the increased accessibility of adult content. This ease can cause individuals to develop a compulsive habit. Here, we’ll dive into all aspects of porn addiction, including the prevailing views around it, assessing pornography consumption behaviors, treatment options, and how to help someone who may be struggling.
What is a Porn Addiction?
Porn addiction occurs when someone can’t stop using pornography even if they want to. This preoccupation becomes so serious that it can affect work and relationships. In 2018, the World Health Organization added compulsive sexual behavior as a mental health disorder.
The components to the ICD (International Classification of Diseases) 11's definition of compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) are:
Intense urges: Inability to control intense, repetitive sexual urges or impulses
Repetitive behavior: Engaging in repetitive sexual behavior
Distress: Causing marked distress or significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
Unsuccessful attempts: Making multiple unsuccessful efforts to control or significantly reduce repetitive sexual behavior
Sexual behavior becomes the main focus in a person’s life to the point where they neglect their daily life or responsibilities. A porn addiction might also cause unrealistic views about sex.
For some, it can lead to engaging in risky behavior. Additionally, the obsession can interfere with work, social relationships, finances, and other responsibilities.
It’s not just the accessibility of porn that’s the problem. Underlying trauma and mental health can also contribute to porn addiction. This trauma can include anything physical, emotional or sexual. Also, being exposed to graphic sexual content when someone is too young can itself be traumatizing because the person is not socially, emotionally, or neurologically prepared for that type of stimulation.
Some individuals who struggle with compulsive porn use also might have other co-occurring issues, such as anxiety, depression, or personality disorders.
Prevalence of Porn Addiction: Stats and Trends
Porn addiction is a serious problem. However, it’s not seen as a behavioral condition despite the growing numbers of people’s struggle with excessive porn consumption. According to one study, an estimated 3% of people are addicted to pornography. Other recent studies have estimated the figure as being between 3-5%.
The problem isn’t pornography addiction, but more the accessibility to porn. Ongoing porn use can lead to an addiction. Pornhub’s annual year-in-review statement revealed that the United States is the top country for porn viewing. Most of the studies are focused on the United States rather than a specific region. Since pornography is mostly consumed online, it’s accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Studies show that porn use is highly consumable in developed nations. Pornhub received over 2.14 billion visits from Americans alone in 2023, which contributes to porn addiction.
Signs of Porn Addiction
There’s no specific criteria for having porn addiction. Some psychiatrists don’t consider porn addiction as a serious addiction. They may instead view it as a sexual compulsion, a form of sexual hyperactivity, an aspect of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or connected to a possible mood disorder, trauma, low self-esteem, shame, relationship issues or substance abuse.
So how do you know if you may need to help someone with a porn addiction? Potential signs of porn addiction include:
Thinking about the opportunity to watch pornography after work or school
Trying to cut back on porn use but failing
Financial problems because of money spent on pornography use
Watching pornography to the point that it disrupts one’s lifestyle
Neglecting personal care
It is impacting relationships
It affects your job or schoolwork
Consuming it in appropriate places, such as work or school
Impacts on sex life
Helping someone else who may be dealing with Porn Addiction
Potential First Steps
The first step to helping someone with a porn addiction is to look for any warning signs. If possible, take note of how much time the individual spends looking at porn and how it impacts their life. Observe how much it changes their mood, behavior, emotions, attention, sleep, stress, and relationships.
However, not everyone who looks at porn gets addicted. Those who struggle with porn compulsion have an unhealthy relationship with it. For example, they might spend hours consuming porn, which could impact their work, school, and household responsibilities.
Have an honest conversation about their porn consumption and how it’s affected their life and yours. After you speak, observe their reaction and feelings. If they are ready to seek treatment, plan a meeting with a specialized counselor, like those available at Birches Health.
Porn Addiction Treatment Process
When it comes to porn addiction treatment, various approaches and techniques are needed to help individuals in their journey to recovery. Treatment for porn addiction includes therapy, mindfulness, and support groups. Here are some of the following treatment options used for porn addiction treatment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is recommended for porn addiction. During each session, the individual will challenge their thoughts and behavioral patterns associated with porn use. CBT allows them to identify their triggers, learn healthier coping methods, and manage stress and urges. It is worth noting that some counselors see CBT as a potentially helpful starting point, but it may not fully address underlying issues.
Addressing Underlying Issues
Speaking of, some treatment options might focus on addressing the underlying issues behind porn addiction. It can help individuals who struggle with co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, personality disorders, or trauma. A therapist can help see the root causes of their addiction. Note, there are many different types of therapy that can help address Problematic Pornography Use, but they are not traditionally standalone therapies. IFS, Somatic Experiences, Attachment Therapy, group therapy led by a therapist, family therapy, sex therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and other forms can be incredibly useful in combination.
Mindfulness Techniques
Mindfulness and meditation can be valuable tools for porn addiction treatment. Mindfulness can help individuals become more aware of their emotions and feelings. It also offers strategies for dealing with cravings and stress. Meditation can provide a sense of inner peace and calm, encouraging them to tackle problems they might face.
Yoga and Tai Chi are also helpful to many people with compulsive behaviors and addictions.
Online Support Groups
Online support groups can be beneficial in treatment. These tools can help create a community and culture of accountability. Online support groups allow individuals to share their experiences and connect with those who have gone through a similar experience. Some online resources might offer educational resources, tools, online programs, and guidance for those who need support in their recovery.
Treatment should be tailored to the individual’s unique issue and goals. The combination of therapy, self-help techniques, and support groups can offer a comprehensive treatment program that addresses the problems. Individuals can recover from pornography addiction and live a healthier life.
Virtual treatment options are available for those who feel comfortable seeking therapy at home. Individuals will work with a licensed clinician, who specializes in this behavioral addiction. They are trained to help those who struggle with porn or sex addiction.
Treatment for porn addiction involves one of the following steps with Birches Health:
You can also call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with the Birches team right away.
Medications for Porn Addiction
Medication can be helpful for some people, but a pill will usually not fix someone's sexual problems fully. And of course, only a trained, licensed prescriber should help a person decide if medication would be helpful for them.
Peer Support Groups
There are also support groups who can help with your recovery. Most are centered around the traditional 12-step model and include Sex Addicts Anonymous, Sex and Porn Addicts Anonymous, Sexual Recovery Anonymous, and Pornography Addicts Anonymous. These programs can be an essential component to many people's recovery.
Avoiding Porn Addiction Relapse
Porn addiction is a complex disease. Avoiding or quitting porn doesn’t mean the addiction is under control. Many factors that can lead to a relapse, such as the following:
Daily stress
Emotional distress
Isolation
Overconfidence about beating addiction
Anger, boredom, or low self-esteem
One way to prevent an addiction relapse is to have a self-care plan in place. A healthy diet, exercise, good sleep, and mental health resources can help in avoiding a relapse. The goal behind mindfulness is to be aware of your thoughts and behaviors. Meditation and mindfulness can help you be aware of your addiction. It can also help with curbing urges.
Setting up porn blocker apps across all devices can help break the addiction cycle. Porn blocker apps prevent access to adult content. Some apps might have educational resources, online courses, and support groups that can aid with your mental health journey.
How does pornography use go from normal to problematic?
According to a 2023 study in Scientific Reports, problematic pornography use can manifest in several ways. First, excessive porn use can lead to mental and physical problems. For example, it can cause intimacy issues and sexual functioning problems with partners.
Compulsive porn use can also alter a brain’s chemistry and functioning. It makes it difficult to function without pornography. The addiction also makes it hard for some individuals to control their impulsive behavior.
Maintaining a porn addiction can also cause feelings of guilt and shame in some individuals. This can make it hard for an individual to admit they have a problem. This can lead to a lack of communication. Some individuals might have decreased trust in their partner as a result. Porn addiction can also cause some to have unrealistic views about sexuality and relationships.
Pornography in Relationships: Healthy or a Potential Issue
Pornography consumption can lead to a lack of trust and communication problems. Some might not feel their partner isn’t being completely honest with them. Or, they might feel their partner is disrespecting the relationship.
It can also cause unrealistic expectations in relationships. Some people might feel less desirable once they learn about their partner’s pornography addiction. However, there are some couples who might pornography together to improve their emotional and sexual connection.
On the flip side, pornography can affect emotional intimacy. Pornography can create a false impression of what sexual behavior and bodies look like. The keys to a healthy relationship are emotional intimacy and trust. To be intimate with someone is to be honest and vulnerable. Sometimes outside stimulation or entertainment isn’t needed to strengthen a relationship.
Porn Addiction & Common Co-occurring Mental Health Problems
A co-occurring mental health problem is one that’s paired with a behavioral or substance issue. Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse are some of the most common co-occurring disorders with porn addiction.
A co-occurring disorder might cause mood changes, outbursts, or isolation from friends and family. Many problems can arise with a co-occurring mental disorder. For example, you might struggle with self-care because your addiction takes greater priority. It could also cause problems with your school situation, work life, or interpersonal relationships.
This could potentially cause an individual to have a nervous breakdown and spiral into their addiction. You can help someone with a porn addiction if they exhibit these signs. You could talk to them about their problem or encourage them to find a support group.
Sources:
Porn addiction: Signs, causes, and treatment
Pornography Addiction: Why Is Pornography Addictive?
Mission Frontiers - 15 Mind-Blowing Statistics About Pornography And The Church
