Porn Addiction: An Overview
Author:
Jonathan
Published:
Apr 2, 2024
What Is a Porn Addiction?
Porn addiction is sometimes called compulsive sexual behavior. Porn use turns into an addiction when you become dependent on porn. It can consume every part of your life, career, daily tasks, and relationships.
Some turn to pornography to escape from stress. They might also be dissatisfied with their relationships or sex life. According to Medical News Today, the common signs of pornography:
Engaging in risky behavior
Ignoring other responsibilities for porn
Increased interest in extreme forms of porn
Genuine desire to stop using porn but unwilling
Spending money on adult entertainment
Is it normal to use porn?
Most experts agree that porn in small doses is healthy. Couples may use porn to spice up their sex life. It can also offer a single-person release when alone. When it doesn’t override your life, porn can help you explore your sexuality.
When does pornography use become problematic?
Pornography becomes a problem because it interferes with other responsibilities. You might put off a project to watch pornography. Or, you might cancel plans with friends or family to watch porn. It can ruin your responsibilities and social life.
Porn could also become a coping method for anxiety or depression. Thankfully, there are ways to quit. For instance, you can install a porn blocker or join a 12-step program. With the help of group therapy, you’ll learn how to eliminate distractions and recognize triggers. This makes it easier to quit porn.
Pornography and Relationships
Pornography is a common problem among couples. Most porn addicts are men who turn to pornography regularly. They might depend on porn instead of building emotional intimacy.
However, it’s not just men who are watching porn. One-third of users are women, according to MentalHealth.net. Some people may argue that porn is not a “big deal” because no cheating is involved.
What matters is how porn affects the emotional and physical intimacy in a relationship. Healthy relationships are built on trust. Being intimate is about more than having sex. It’s about being vulnerable, open, and honest with your partner.
Trust builds that assurance that your partner supports your vulnerability. A key to a strong and lasting relationship is emotional intimacy. People who struggle with porn addiction might have a skewed view of sex and intimacy.
They might think that sex is an important component of a relationship. However, a relationship can’t last without emotional intimacy and trust. Pornography creates an unrealistic view of sexual behavior and relationships.
It’s only sexually gratifying when both partners feel loved, cherished, appreciated, and valued. Those who are addicted to pornography might experience sexual or love deficits that occurred early on in their lives.
They might come from homes where they were neglected. Or, they could’ve been abused or exposed to porn early on in childhood. Individuals with these deficits use pornography as a substitute for the relationships they need to derive emotional intimacy from.
A porn habit can become an obsessive habit that develops into an addiction over time. Relationships can implode if one partner uses porn secretly or places it ahead of their relationship.
Porn Addiction Complications
A study found that 68 million search results are related to pornography. In addition, over 200,000 Americans have a porn addiction. Pornography is easily accessible these days. Most of the porn that’s available is 100% free to watch or download.
This causes a problem for those who want to cut down or abstain from pornography. Porn use is so common that it’s not always seen as problematic. However, it can cause complications in one’s life and relationships.
Porn addiction can lead to other mental health problems, such as anxiety, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some people might rely on porn to relieve their psychological distress.
Other complications of porn addiction include:
Increased likelihood of infidelity
Increased interest in deviant porn
Dissatisfaction with relationship or marriage
Porn addiction can also lead to separation and divorce, financial problems, and legal consequences.
Porn Addiction Treatment and Home Remedies
Thankfully, treatment is possible. Admitting that you have a porn addiction is scary, but it’s the first step toward recovery. Recovery is possible if you have the desire and motivation.
Treatment is not a one-fits-all approach. There are different methods that you might want to try. The most common treatment option for porn addiction is a combination of psychotherapy and prescription medication.
Psychotherapy can help people mend their relationship with porn. It also addresses the underlying factors of porn addiction. The individual learns new coping skills to manage their triggers. Meanwhile, medication can help people cope with or manage their mental health conditions. Home remedies for porn addiction include abstinence and porn-blocking software.
These are two of the best methods as they eliminate the temptation. Even though you may experience withdrawals and cravings, your motivation keeps you accountable. Some individuals may start with abstinence and then block access to porn sites. This makes it even harder for them to succumb to their cravings.
Whatever you choose, it’s about finding out what works for you. If you find that you keep hiding or lying about your porn addiction, it’s time to consider professional help.
Resources:
What to know about porn addiction
Are You Watching Too Much Porn?
How Pornography Distorts Intimate Relationships
Understanding Porn Addiction: Effects, Causes, and Treatment
