Pornography Addiction

by Celia
(Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom)

How do you know if you have a pornography addiction-- other than it just being a man thing. ie: visual stimulation?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

A porn addiction differs from occasionally looking at pornography. Porn becomes an obsession. It’s an escape in times of stress, similar to other addictions:

Pornography triggers the release of chemicals in the brain producing pleasure, a high and an escape from the pressures of life. So instead of dealing with issues, the addict avoids them by escaping into porn fantasy.

As in other drugs, porn can create a “dependency” and "tolerance". The addict will be drawn to it and need more visual stimulation to get the ‘rush’.

The addict will be in denial, saying he can stop any time, or it’s ‘normal’ but he doubts if he can, or wants to stop. For him, porn is linked to pleasure.

When the porn addict hits “bottom” their life and/or relationships become dysfunctional or unmanageable. They spend lots of time in their porn fantasy world, feel guilt and shame about it, but don’t stop unless they’re pressured to get help. Like any addict, they also may indulge in risky behavior.

Breaking denial and accepting the problem, is the first step to getting help.