Porn addiction involves compulsive, often uncontrollable, viewing of pornographic material and getting satisfaction from doing so. It is considered a behavioral disorder similar to sex addiction but is not as intense. People suffering from this addiction spend large amounts of time watching porn, but they are not aware of it. Often, they also have secret stashes of sex videos, magazines, and photos.
If you’d like to know more about what porn addiction is and how it affects people, here are some facts about it.
In the United States, there are some shocking statistics about the use of pornographic material
In the US alone, there are about 24.5 million porn sites online. Most of the viewers of this content are young adult men aged 18 to 30, with about 79% of them watching porn at least once a month. More alarming is that 90% of boys below 18 have already viewed pornographic content. Women also have this behavior, but they view porn much less than men do. Men are also much more likely to develop the addiction, with a 543% chance than women do. Also, people who view explicit sexual content are 270% more likely to get paid sex.
Watching pornography gives a rewarding feeling to the viewer
While there is not one definite cause for this addiction, it is clear that people who watch porn gain satisfaction from it. It’s like taking an illegal drug that gives users a rewarding “high”. This would cause a habit to form as they keep seeking that rewarding feeling.
Lots of factors lead to porn addiction
Some of them are biological, such as a high level of the sex hormones testosterone (for males) or estrogen (for females). Excess amounts of these hormones cause people to have more active sex drives, which may contribute to an addiction to pornography. Some people are also impulsive pleasure seekers, and the instant satisfaction they get from porn would fuel an addiction.
There are also psychological factors, especially experiences of sexual abuse as children. People with sexual trauma as children are more likely to watch porn and get addicted. Also, those already suffering from mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or personality disorders, are more vulnerable to this addiction.
Some social factors also play a role. For example, if people are not sexually satisfied with their partners, they may turn to pornography and seek gratification from there. Isolation is another big thing, as it enables people to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms. One of them is watching porn, and eventually, they get addicted. Peer pressure is another strong influence. If people are around friends who watch porn a lot, they too will take part in that habit.
Porn addiction is damaging to both afflicted individuals and the people around them
As with any form of uncontrollable behavior, this addiction can adversely affect people’s health as well as their relationships. For those with this addiction, their behaviors will change and affect their lifestyles. For instance, they may lose track of time when watching sexually explicit content. They may also lose the shame of watching porn that they would do so even in public places. Compulsive masturbation is another issue, which may distract them from their responsibilities.
When their friends or family members start being concerned later on, those with this addiction may become hostile. If friends and family tell them to stop viewing porn, they may lash out and become violent. Also, they may no longer want to be in the company of family and friends. These behaviors would soon lead to breakdowns in their most crucial relationships.
Porn addiction decreases sexual performance
Particularly in males who have this addiction, they tend to develop erectile dysfunction later on. They also will not perform well anymore with their partners, as their minds are conditioned with the images of unrealistic sexual activity. Others may also suffer from premature ejaculation, which also would negatively affect their sex lives.
Those who have this addiction may also lose their desire to have sex with a real person, as they would prefer the fantasies that porn gives them. On the other hand, some would end up intensely craving sexual contact with just about anyone. Additionally, they would lose the emotional attachment involved in sex. In turn, they would enjoy sexual activity less.
Porn addiction changes people’s psychology
For those with this addiction, their minds become filled with endless thoughts of explicit sexual activity. Because of this, they tend to get easily distracted and have less focus for work, studies, and other daily routines. They may also lose their sense of responsibility, abandoning important tasks in favor of viewing pornographic content.
Moreover, this addiction may cause people to be more sexually impulsive. In other words, they won’t be able to control their sexual urges. This may lead to cases of rape, assault, abuse, or other criminal acts.
There are many treatments for porn addiction
As with many other behavioral disorders, this one is treatable. Many porn addiction rehab options are widely available.
Usually, recovery starts with people becoming aware that they have the addiction. They must first recognize their own weaknesses and inability to change by themselves. Then, treatments can begin.
Patients can have one-on-one sessions with therapists, who help them recount their past experiences. The aim is to get to the bottom of the addiction and what really triggered it.
Group therapy is another option, where patients share their experiences with others suffering from the same problem. A therapist facilitates the discussion, and there could be 5 to 15 people in each group. This is effective as people share emotional connections with others who fight the same battles.
Other methods include cognitive-behavioral therapy, which aims to transform negative behaviors into positive ones. This therapy is best for those who become hostile to friends and family when they express concern over their loved ones’ addictions.
To know the best path to take, consult a recovery professional before choosing a rehab option.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.