Is An Addiction To Porn Common?
You can’t seem to stop. The desire for more seems to be a constant for you. You are constantly angry. You’re distracted. You have spent more time watching it than you would like to admit, even to yourself. You can’t seem to remember the last time you were physically, emotionally, or intellectually attracted to someone else. Even when you want to stop, you can’t seem to actually go through with it.
You have completely lost interest in sex.
These of some of the most common symptoms and signs of porn addiction.
Talking about porn addiction can be a difficult conversation. Porn addiction can bring on feelings of guilt, shame, and embarrassment. You may feel alone and even isolate yourself due to the feelings you are experiencing from your addiction.
So, let’s find out: Is addiction to porn common?
What Is Porn Addiction?
Porn addiction is essentially when you can’t stop watching porn, even if you want to. This obsession can start to interfere with your day-to-day life. Your relationships, career, school, or other areas in your life can be negatively impacted.
Sex and porn addictions are actually very common conditions. Studies have shown that at least three to five percent of the population struggles with sex or porn addiction, and these numbers only reflect those who have sought treatment for their addiction(s).
What Causes Porn Addiction?
Porn addiction doesn’t actually have a set of clear causes, but there are several things that can lead to porn addiction like a brain chemical imbalance, brain circuit changes, or even brain disease.
Ease of access like the use of the internet or increased privacy can also add to porn addiction. Drug or alcohol problems, gambling addiction, mood disorders, family problems, or a history of abuse could also lead to porn addiction.
What are the Signs of Porn Addiction?
If you’re worried about yourself or a loved one’s use of pornography, there are several different signs to consider:
Engaging in porn at risky times.
Trying more extreme or risky forms of porn or sexual behavior.
Excessive spending on pornographic material.
Feelings of guilt or shame after watching porn.
Inability to stop watching porn, even if there’s a desire to stop.
Sexual intercourse feels less satisfying compared to watching porn.
Hiding porn from partners.
Using porn as a way to cope with emotions.
What are the Effects of Porn Addiction?
You may think of porn addiction as only affecting an individual, but loved ones can also be affected.
Effects of Porn addiction on the individual include the following:
Takes over their life
Neglecting personal care
Loss of interest in other activities, even activities you or they used to love.
Dissatisfaction from sexual intercourse
Could lead to mental health disorders or addictions
Effects of Porn addiction on loved ones can include:
Relationship strain or damage
Struggles with self-esteem
Intimacy problems
What are the Treatment Options for Porn Addiction?
Speaking to a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) is one of the most effective treatments for porn addiction. A professional can help guide you or your loved one through your thoughts and feelings associated with your porn addiction. They’ll work with you to help navigate your negative thoughts, feelings, and urges so you can live your life to the fullest again.
Therapy allows you to get to the root of your sex and porn addiction, which can create new patterns and possibilities.
If you struggle with sex and/or porn addiction, therapy can help. To schedule your first appointment or to schedule a free, 10-minute consultation and find out more about our specialty trained clinicians, please email us or reach out via our contact page.