A recent study by Cody Harper and David C. Hodgins, published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions , shows that pathological use of pornography (porn addiction ) is associated with impaired social functioning (higher levels of anxiety and depression and less satisfaction with quality of life and social relationships) as well as with the problematic use of alcohol and cannabis , with gambling and with the compulsive use of video games.
According to the authors, the subjects most at risk of developing a porn addiction are men, although women are not exempt from it. The porn-dependence is a common form of sexual addiction that presents the following symptoms:
- Progressive increase in the amount of time dedicated to the use of pornographic material;
- Search for progressively more and more intense or bizarre content;
- Unsuccessful attempts to suspend or decrease addictive behaviors;
- Use of pornographic material despite the occurrence of negative consequences: difficulty or inability to create and maintain social or sentimental relationships; feelings of depression, shame, and isolation; loss or impoverishment of relationships with family members or partners; loss of interest in other activities (work, school, social life, family, sport…); performance issues at work or in study; economic problems; associated use of drugs; sexual dysfunctions…;
- Attempts to disguise, deny, hide addiction.
The person with porn addiction , unlike what might be believed, uses pornography for purposes other than achieving orgasm: porn addicts are much more interested in supporting and nurturing their sexual fantasies.
Orgasm represents, in this form of addiction, the end of pleasure and the return to real life, while the purpose of the porn addict is rather that of pausing for as long as possible in the neurochemical trance induced by the pornographic material.
The dependence on porn , in addition to symptoms listed, can connect to some sexual dysfunction or relational discomfort and torque, because the porn-dependent experiences increasing difficulty to try in reality the same level of excitement and stimulation that pornographic material the offers. It is therefore possible that the porn addicted:
- Easily achieve arousal or orgasm from pornographic material, but find it more difficult with the real partner;
- Can achieve arousal and orgasm with the partner but with more time than he or the partner would like;
- The partner may complain of lack of interest or complete involvement on the part of the porn addicted during sex;
- She manages to orgasm but only by retracing pornographic images in her mind;
- You find pornography more stimulating and interesting than sex.
The pornography when he makes a pathological use, it can become very problematic, just like any other drug of abuse. For this he requires a specialist psychotherapeutic intervention for his treatment.
Porn addicts may be reluctant to ask for help and may find it difficult to trace their relationship or sexual problems to the conduct of pornography abuse. It can also happen that shame about porn addiction leads the porn addict to isolate themselves and hide their behavior.
It is very important that doctors, psychologists, psychotherapists and health professionals ask specific questions regarding the consultation of pornographic material in the face of sexual or couple problems, and in general learn to keep in mind the possible presence of this addiction during the assessment and treatment, in order to avoid ineffective if not harmful interventions.
The psychotherapy Cognitive Behavioral has proven efficacy in the treatment of addictions. The therapeutic approach is based on psycho-education, on specific skill training (social skills, conflict resolution, resumption of recreational activities, active listening, assertive training , emotional regulation …) and on the prevention of relapses. Some approaches combine cognitive-behavioral techniques with Mindfulness , to implement the effectiveness of the treatment.
