Pornography is easily accessible in today’s online-focused world. Even with safety measures in place, like safe search and parental controls, online users can access content quickly. Porn is also accessible to the public outside of the internet.
For instance, some may purchase pornographic magazines or movies from shops and libraries. Recent statistics revealed that as many as 200,000 individuals in the U.S. may be considered “porn addicts,” causing much concern for the issue. It has also been reported that in the U.S., more than 68 million searches are of explicit terms, and over 2.5 million emails contain pornographic content every day.
Below, we’ll discuss how to identify if a person is struggling with porn addiction. Pornographic addiction, its types, and the various causes and effects of the addiction will be discussed, as well as insight into porn addiction signs and treatment options. Continue reading to learn more.
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Defining Porn Addiction: porn addiction signs
Pornographic addiction is a behavioral addiction. Behavioral addictions are compulsive urges and actions to engage in certain behaviors. Porn addiction is a behavioral addiction to compulsively view porn. Behavioral addictions are repeated patterns despite one’s awareness of the associated consequences.
Some experts believe that brain functioning in those with porn addiction is similar to that of drug addiction. Others see similarities in porn addiction signs to substance use disorder. If you’re struggling with porn addiction, here are some signs to be aware of that may indicate porn addiction has developed:
- lack of control over limiting one’s viewing of pornography
- non-compulsive viewing is done to boost self-esteem
- compulsive porn viewing that interferes with daily life
- giving up activities to spend time watching porn
Reasons Why The Addiction Develops
Although many people watch porn, not everyone shows porn addiction signs. Porn may be used as a coping mechanism to deal with mental health conditions that are untreated or undiagnosed. Individuals may also use porn to handle sexual feelings or to manage unresolved traumatic sexual experiences. Porn addiction can also be a way to relieve symptoms of anxiety; like substance use disorder, porn addiction is triggered by dopamine release.
Additional Warnings Signs
Some early warning porn addiction signs include:
- increasingly viewing porn
- feeling urges to watch porn secretly, as if it is a drug “fix”
- feeling guilty after watching porn
- spending hours on porn websites and neglecting sleep and responsibilities
- feeling sexually unfulfilled without watching porn
Some signs of porn addiction are keeping secrets about porn consumption from one’s significant other and getting aggressive or defensive when another person attempts to question the person’s porn-watching habits.
How It’s Treated
People are often unsure of porn addiction signs or if treatment is available. Treatment is available. Support groups, individual therapy, and specific medications that treat root causes such as anxiety, insomnia, or depression may be used collectively as a comprehensive treatment plan.
Reclaiming Your Life
Contact a rehabilitation program today to get started on your recovery. Porn addiction can be treated successfully. Reach out for help today and reclaim your life.
