Exploring the Negative Effects of Porn Addiction

Understanding Pornography Addiction

Porn addiction is an obsession with porn. You may find that you or someone you know can’t stop looking at it, even if the desire to quit is there. This serious condition can ruin your work life, relationships, and daily responsibilities. 

It’s possible to develop an addiction with the increased availability of porn on the internet. You may be wondering why is porn addiction bad since it’s socially acceptable. 

It reinvigorates couples’ sex lives. It becomes a slippery slope where the person involved is consumed with hypersexuality. 

Researchers have debated whether pornography can be addictive. Studies found that excessive use disrupts relationships and daily life.  

Negative Effects of Porn Addiction

By understanding the negative effects of porn addiction, it can help shed light on this topic. These problems have serious long-term consequences on the individual and their loved ones.  

Porn addiction differs from substance abuse since it’s a behavioral addiction. Because of this, it doesn’t require the same level of care to treat the symptoms. Some negative effects of porn addiction are aggressive behavior, decreased libido, isolation, loss of self-confidence or self-worth, and unrealistic views of sex. 

Porn addiction can also cause guilt and shame and other mental health problems. Some people might have a loss of interest in sex and life itself, which intensifies these mental health disorders. They might turn to alcohol or drugs to self-medicate.  

Impacts on Intimacy Within Relationships/Dynamics within Relationships

One reason why is porn addiction bad is that it damages relationships. The addict might experience a lack of emotional closeness and sexual dissatisfaction with their partner. 

Porn addiction can also lead to a lack of trust in relationships, especially if the addict thrives on risky behaviors and casual encounters. The addict may see sex and relationships from a performance-based view. That’s because pornography causes them to objectify others. 

Also, porn addiction can desensitize addicts to degrading behavior or normalize extreme sexual behavior. Increased porn use also decreases libido and affects one’s ability to become aroused with their partner.

Porn-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED) is a long-term side effect of porn addiction. It occurs when the brain is desensitized, making it harder to derive pleasure from intimacy. 

Influence on Partner's Self-esteem

Sex addiction can affect your partner’s self-esteem. The reaction is similar to finding out that you cheated. They see pornography as a form of betrayal. 

Your partner wonders why they’re not enough. Oftentimes, the addict will have to work on their own recovery, while their partner goes at it alone. This takes another blow to their partner’s self-esteem. 

It can be hard for the partner to process the experience. They want to know every detail about their partner’s porn addiction so they can make sense of it and have some sense of control.

Knowing all the details can cause more emotional pain and suffering. Your partner should talk to a therapist instead. They should also educate themselves on the addiction and join a support group for partners of porn addicts. 

Diminished Satisfaction in Sexual Experiences due to Pornography

Porn addicts might feel that certain sexual activities don’t please them anymore. On the flip side, their partner may feel objectified. 

Both the addict and their partner describe these sexual experiences as unpleasant for different reasons. As a result, they have decreased sexual satisfaction and emotional intimacy. 

Relationship trust can also ruin sex because of a lack of trust and dishonesty about the addict’s pornography use. The addict might even become frustrated and aggressive toward their partner. 

Exploring the Link to Sexual Violence

Data exploring the link between pornography sex and sexual violence were revealed at a rape crisis center. Over 100 survivors shared the details of their experience.

That study found that close to 30% of respondents found their abuser used pornography. In addition, 12% of women revealed that pornography acts were used on them during the incident. 

This brings up an important discussion about women’s experiences with sexual assault and rape. Most porn users have a skewed view of sex. They are desensitized to extreme sexual behavior. As a result of their addiction, they could become sexual deviants. 

Effects on Body and Brain Functioning

Two studies in 2016 found evidence related to changes in the body and the brain after excessive pornography use. Psychological effects include anxiety, desensitization of the brain’s reward center, and impulsiveness. 

The American Society of Addiction Medicine mentioned behavioral and bodily changes, such as addictive cravings, body dysphoria, and a weakened executive functioning system. Other studies revealed how pornography affects men’s body image. Most men make comparisons to male adult entertainers due to increased satisfaction. They also view women as sexual conquests or trophies to be won. 

Studies rarely take a look at women’s view of pornographic use. However, that doesn’t mean that pornography doesn’t affect women’s body image and self-esteem. Like men, women compare themselves to female adult entertainers and uphold themselves to unrealistic body standards. 

Observable Behavioral Shifts due to Pornography Addiction

There are behavioral changes in your partner that you shouldn’t ignore. You might notice that they spend most of their time viewing pornography for extended periods. They might also do it at inappropriate places such as school or work. 

Increased amounts of porn viewing can lead to costly financial mistakes. You might also notice a change in their mood or behavior when they’re not on the computer or viewing porn. 

Behavioral shifts include aggression, irritability, mood swings, or social withdrawal. They might also prioritize porn over hobbies, interests, relationships, and school or work commitments. 

If you confront them about their porn addiction, they might lie or react in anger. You might find that they are unable to quit porn despite the consequences and feelings of guilt. 

Treatment Options

The most common treatment option for porn addiction is a combination of medication with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy with a licensed mental health professional who helps get to the root of the addiction. 

They can identify the cause and triggers associated with porn addiction so that the individual can develop new behavioral habits. 

Medication is prescribed to help curb the cravings or to manage any co-occurring mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. 

Other treatment options include lifestyle changes, porn-blocking software, and support groups. Break the cycle of your porn addiction today by taking a confidential assessment on Birches Health. 

Resources:

Porn Addiction

Porn Addiction: Definition, Signs, Causes, Effects, and Treatments

7 Warning Signs of Porn Addiction You Shouldn't Ignore

Effects of Pornography on Relationships

Porn-induced erectile dysfunction: How does it happen?

Should compulsive sexual behavior be considered an addiction?

ASAM Definition of Addiction

Porn Addiction: Help and Treatment