Pornography has become a serious problem for some people in our society. Is it just harmless fun? Or could it be something more troubling, such as a porn addiction?
Pornography affects everyone differently. Some people use it to relieve stress, others use it to fill time, and others use it to escape reality. But whatever the reason, if you’re dealing with porn addiction, you may want to strongly consider seeking professional help.
In this article, we’ll break down how pornography affects men. Likewise, we’ll discuss why you should consider getting help to treat a porn addiction.
Why does it seem so easy to develop a porn addiction?
Pornography has become one of the most popular forms of entertainment today. By nature, we are wired to react to a sexual stimulus. Watching porn causes changes in your brain chemistry that make you crave more of it. Research indicates it affects the neural pathways linked to the reward system in the brain. This is similar to some highly addictive substances.
Internet access has helped turn the pornography industry into a nearly 100 billion dollar business. Likewise, thanks to easy access, the ability for one to view content without others knowing is also high. In addition, excessive use can fuel a pattern of addictive behaviors. As a result, compulsive urges may develop. It’s easy to find free porn online. Unfortunately, pornography often lands on the screen of those who are not looking for it. Young minds with developing brains may stumble across content. In fact, the average age of exposure to hard-core pornography is eleven years old in America. Without proper knowledge of what they’re seeing, they may become curious and click to see more.
Early exposure can increase the risk of developing a porn addiction later in life. Another contributing factor to why it’s so addictive is that viewing can easily occur in secrecy. As a result, this can make it more difficult to intervene quickly, especially with younger children.
Porn addiction is real, and it’s not just a problem for men. Women are addicted too, and they often suffer from similar symptoms as men. For example, it may include compulsive masturbation, frequent urges to view content, and uncontrollable sexual thoughts and feelings.
Porn addiction interferes with one’s ability to maintain functionality. As a result, it can negatively affect work, home, and social life.
How does porn addiction affect mental health?
People who watch pornography regularly are more likely to suffer from depression than those who don’t.
It’s not uncommon for people with porn addiction to develop symptoms such as:
– depression
– anxiety
– relationship problems
– erectile dysfunction (men)
– emotional dysregulation
Those with porn addiction often suffer from feelings of shame, guilt, and hopelessness.
Pornography addiction is a common addiction in our society today. According to RecoveryVillage.com, 5%-8% of adults are living with porn addiction.
Many studies indicate that those who view pornography are less likely to want to engage sexually with their partners. In addition, viewing sexual content can cause a significant delusion between reality and fantasy. As a result, it can negatively impact sexual intimacy in relationships and may lead to frustration and violence.
Problems that may accompany porn addiction
The most common symptom of porn addiction is compulsive viewing regardless of the consequences. Often, they do not realize how much time they’re spending watching content every day. As a result, this can lead to job loss, damaged relationships, and financial issues. Likewise, they may feel angry or irritable if they cannot view pornography for some time.
There are many different types of pornography. Some are violent, some are degrading, and others are alarming and illegal. If you think you might be struggling with porn addiction, it’s important to seek help. Too often, people who struggle with addiction will hit rock bottom before they recognize they need help. Like any addiction, there are serious consequences that can impact your physical and mental health. The sooner you face your addiction, the better.
At Fort Worth Counseling and Intervention, we are experts at helping people reach porn addiction recovery. Our approach is based on understanding what drives someone to seek pornography. We also address any underlying issues. Likewise, we help our clients with strategies and skills to overcome their powerful urges.
Contact us today to make an appointment with one of our addiction therapists.
