Some can’t imagine a day without a cigarette, others – without strong alcohol. And still others can’t overcome the obsessive desire to watch porn. Dependence on adult films can cause a lot of problems in relationships, friendships and even work.
What is porn addiction
ICD-11 and the American Psychiatric Association do not have such a concept as “porn addiction” – it is not an official diagnosis. However, the UN International Statistical Classification of Diseases mentions the term “compulsive sexual behavior disorder”. One of the main symptoms of the disorder is the abuse of pornography. This is called porn addiction.
According to psychologist Claire Rimmer, regularly watching porn does not mean you have an addiction. Watching adult films is normal as long as it does not interfere with your daily life or cause problems.
Men, according to statistics, are more likely to become porn addicts. In 2016, Australian scientists surveyed 20,000 people about their relationship with adult films. 4% of men and 1% of women admitted that they were addicted to pornography and reported that watching porn had a negative impact on their lives. The consequences of porn addiction include:
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inability to maintain social and romantic relationships;
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breaking off relationships with romantic partners, family and friends;
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depression, social isolation and shame;
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loss of interest in things that used to bring joy: work, hobbies, communication, sports fade into the background;
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legal problems if you illegally watch or produce pornography.
Some studies show that people with porn addiction are more critical of their own bodies and their partner’s bodies. They also have unrealistic expectations. For example, they feel like they take too long or too quickly to have sex, or aren’t good enough at certain practices.
How to recognize porn addiction
Symptoms of porn addiction can be divided into three categories: clinical , behavioral, and psychological . Individually, they do not necessarily indicate addiction, but together they can signal it.
Clinical manifestations
Sexual dysfunction . This can occur during sex with a partner or masturbation without watching porn. For example, you cannot become aroused or achieve orgasm unless adult films are on.
Associated disorders. Hypersexual behavior is associated with anxiety disorders, which can lead to alcoholism or drug addiction. Some people develop an addiction to video games.
Behavioral and psychological manifestations
Lies and secrecy. Often, addicts do not admit or hide the problem or lie about its scale. For example, a person may lie about how much time and money he spent on porn content. And if loved ones directly talk about suspicions, he will get angry and deny everything.
Increasing the degree of porn content. You notice that “standard” porn becomes boring over time, and you are drawn to more and more extreme types of pornography that are difficult or impossible to implement in life. But only this excites you.
Bad mood. When a person stops watching porn, they quickly become irritable, sad, or restless. The mood may improve only when porn is turned on again.
Inability to stop. Even if watching adult films no longer brings pleasure and a person wants to stop, he cannot do so. The craving is so strong that he returns to porn again and again.
Bad relationship with partner. The addict may take it out on the partner or become completely insensitive both in sex and in everyday life.
Why Porn Addiction Develops
It is not exactly known where it comes from. Some scientists are inclined to believe that the Internet has made porn content much more accessible and that this is the root of the problem. Claire Rimmer suggests that any addiction, including porn, is formed due to several factors: psychological, biological and social.
Psychological factors
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Childhood abuse.
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Exposure to sexual content at an early age.
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Other addictions and mental health issues where porn and masturbation are a way to escape from difficulties.
Biological factors
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A close relative who is struggling with addiction or mental illness.
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High levels of sex hormones. They increase a person’s libido and the likelihood that they will watch porn more often.
Social factors
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Rejection by a partner, after which a person seeks other ways (sometimes unhealthy) of sexual satisfaction.
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Peer and media influences that normalize frequent pornography viewing.
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Social isolation, which prevents a person from building close relationships with people.
What to do if you suspect you have an addiction
In society, viewing pornography is still considered a taboo topic. Because of this, addicts are afraid to talk about the problem, remaining alone with it and the feeling of shame.
It is very difficult to overcome addiction on your own. You can start with a psychologist, psychiatrist or sexologist so that they can analyze your symptoms and advise you on how to proceed. Afterwards, the specialist will be able to discuss treatment options with you. Often, these include psychotherapy and medication.