Recognizing Porn and Sex Addiction: Signs and How a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist CSAT Can Help You Find Recovery
At the very core of addiction is a feeling of being out of control. It is a feeling of being trapped in a cycle of behavior that, no matter how hard you try, seems beyond your ability to change. This feeling can be particularly potent when it comes to addiction to pornography, as these behaviors often carry with them layers of shame and guilt.
It can be difficult to acknowledge that you may have an addiction to porn or sex, but it is a critical first step toward recovery. Recognizing the presence of addiction provides a step toward finding help and working toward change.
So how do you recognize if you have an addiction to pornography? Here are some key signs to look out for.
1. Preoccupation
Do you find yourself constantly thinking about sex or pornography? Do you feel the urge to engage in these behaviors several times a day? Do you find yourself daydreaming about sexual situations or unable to focus on other tasks due to preoccupation with sex or porn? Preoccupation is often a sign that a person is developing an addiction, as their thoughts become more and more consumed by the behavior.
2. Loss of Control
A key sign of addiction is the feeling of being out of control during the behavior. Are you unable to stop or control your urges to engage in sexual behavior or view pornography? Do you find yourself continually seeking out experiences that are sexually stimulating - even if you've tried to quit or limit that behavior? This loss of control may cause shame, guilt and a range of other emotions.
3. Negative Impact on Everyday Life
Addiction can begin to interfere with everyday life. Are you allocating more time to engaging in sexual behavior or using porn, leading to missed appointments, deadlines, or social activities? Are your relationships suffering as a result of your behavior? Is your health or well-being impacted due to the frequency and intensity of the behavior? If you're answering "yes" to these questions, it's probably time to seek professional help.
4. Hiding Behavior
Another clear sign of addiction is when a person feels the need to hide their behavior. Are you making excuses for why you're staying up late watching porn? Are you deleting your internet history or identifying yourself by different usernames in chat rooms? If you're lying or hiding your behavior, chances are you are aware that it is problematic and may require the help of a professional.
If you're worried that you might be struggling with an addiction to porn or sex, know that there is hope. A trained therapist, specifically a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), can help you identify if you have an addiction to porn or sex, and provide you with the guidance and tools you need to start on the path to recovery.
What is a CSAT and How Can They Help?
A Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) is a therapist who has undergone specific education and training in the field of sex addiction. They have been shown to provide the highest level of care when it comes to treating those struggling with porn and sex addiction.
Working with a CSAT can be tremendously beneficial for a number of reasons. For one, a CSAT provides a battery of professional assessments that can provide valuable insights into the nature and extent of your addiction. They can help you understand the different types of addiction, and the specific behaviors and patterns that conspire to keep you locked in the trap of addiction. This can provide valuable clarity on how to work toward recovery.
A CSAT can also provide a safe and compassionate environment in which to talk about your addiction. They understand the feelings of shame and anxiety that often accompany addictive behavior and can help compassionately guide you through the process of healing and recovery.
Finally, a CSAT can provide you with the tools you need to change your behavior and maintain sobriety. They're able to use a range of interventions, techniques, and accountability structures that can help you deal with the urges and impulses associated with addictive sexual behavior. At Insights Counseling Center, our team of CSATs will help you understand how this all got started for you, and guide you through the 30 Task Model created by Dr. Pat Carnes.
In conclusion, the dynamics of sex and porn addiction can be challenging to navigate alone. Being aware of the presence of an addiction is a critical first step, as acknowledgment can provide a foundation to start the healing process.
Addiction isolates.
Addiction shames.
Addiction destroys.
Our team of CSATs understand and most have been through it ourselves. This gives us both passion and compassion to help if this is a struggle for you.
Addiction wants you alone - we want to walk along side you to help you get off of, not on, pornography. Ready to step out of the trap? Reach out to us, and let's get started!