PORN ADDICTION: SIGNS, CAUSES, AND TREATMENT
Porn addiction refers to a person becoming emotionally dependent on pornography to the point that it interferes with their daily life, relationships, and ability to function.
This type of addiction may be quite common. Some doctors consider porn addiction to be a hypersexual disorder — an umbrella term that includes behaviors such as excessive masturbation.
A 2019 study suggests that the prevalence of these disorders may be about 3–6%. However, the rates have been difficult to determine due to a lack of formal classification.
Porn addiction remains a controversial issue, with some research suggesting that it is not a real condition at all.
Keep reading to learn more about pornography addiction, including its causes, symptoms, and some ways to address it.
What is addiction?
An addiction is more than just an intense interest in something. It is a medical condition that changes the brain and the body and causes the person to feel compelled to continue using a substance or partaking in an activity, even when doing so may cause harm.
Most research into addiction suggests that it activates regions in the brain associated with motivation and reward. Specifically, addiction alters the body’s dopamine system.
When a person with addiction initially uses the substance or engages in the behavior, they receive an intense rush of dopamine, causing feelings of pleasure and reward. Over time, their body may produce less dopamine and rely on the substance or behavior to feel the dopamine rush.
Signs of pornography addiction
Some healthcare professionals and counselors believe that pornography in itself is not problematic, but that it has the potential to become so, depending on the person’s viewpoint or their partner’s.
Some indications that pornography may be causing a problem include:
A person’s sex life becomes less satisfying.
Pornography causes relationship issues or makes a person feel less satisfied with their partner.
A person engages in risky behavior to view pornography, such as doing so at work.
Some other signs that a person may be developing an unhealthy relationship with porn include:
They ignore other responsibilities to view pornography.
They view progressively more extreme pornography to get the same release that less extreme porn once offered.
They feel frustrated or ashamed after viewing porn but continue to do so.
They want to stop using pornography but feel unable to do so.
They spend large sums of money on pornography, possibly at the expense of daily or family necessities.
They use pornography to cope with sadness, anxiety, insomnia, or other mental health issues.
Causes of pornography addiction
A 2015 study found that believing oneself to be addicted to pornography, not actual pornography use, was the more significant cause of associated distress.
This suggests that the very idea that porn addiction exists could be a major cause of the anxiety that some people experience when viewing porn.
Meanwhile, experts and advocates who endorse the existence of pornography addiction argue that, like other addictions, this is a complex issue with a range of possible causes. Some of these causes may include:
Underlying mental health conditions: A person might use pornography to escape psychological distress.
Relationship problems: Pornography can be an outlet for sexual dissatisfaction.
Unhealthy cultural norms: Ideas about how people should look and behave during sex, the types of sex that a person should enjoy, and similar norms may draw some people to pornography.
Biological causes: Certain biological factors, including changes in brain chemistry when a person views porn, may increase the risk of addiction.
Treatments and natural remedies
Decause many researchers do not believe that pornography addiction is a real medical condition, some doctors and counselors may feel that no treatment is necessary.
Some treatment strategies may involve:
Psychotherapy: This can help a person understand their relationship with porn, identify unmet sexual needs, and develop strategies for dealing with psychological distress.
Relationship counseling: Couples’ counseling can help partners talk about their values, determine whether porn has a place in their relationship, and cultivate deeper trust.
Lifestyle changes: Some people use pornography out of boredom or exhaustion. A more healthful lifestyle may involve spending fewer hours on the computer.
When to see a doctor or therapist
A person should see a doctor if:
-They have trouble orgasming from sex with a partner.
-They experience an increase in sexual dysfunction, such as trouble maintaining an erection or lubricating before sex. -Sex becomes painful. -They experience, or have experienced, other addictions.
-They experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, or another mental health condition.
A therapist may be able to help with pornography addiction and other sex and relationship issues. It may be a good idea to see a therapist if:
-Pornography causes relationship problems.
-A person feels guilty about their pornography use.
-A person wants to cut down on their pornography use but feels unable to do so.
Therapists hold varying views on pornography — some may believe that all pornography use is harmful, while others may think that it is never addictive.
Anyone seeking treatment should choose a therapist whose values align with their own. Interview the therapist about their beliefs and philosophy before committing to treatment.