Addiction to pornography is increasing in prevalence and has become a major mental health issue for many people, with a wide range of associated consequences. Porn addiction, also known as compulsive pornography use, is characterized by an obsessive-compulsive need to watch, view, and consume explicit sexual imagery. People who suffer from compulsive pornography use often experience feelings of shame and guilt, experience a lack of control over their porn consumption, and suffer from decrease in personal, social, and occupational functioning.
The onset of a porn addiction can occur at any age, but more typically affects younger people, as this demographic is more exposed to pornography through the Internet. Porn addiction affects both men and women, though it is more commonly found among men. Porn addiction is not a recognized mental health diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but is considered a behavioral addiction and a form of impulse control disorder (ICD). Furthermore, symptoms of porn addiction can be similar to those of other mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
To better understand porn addiction, this article will: 1) discuss signs and symptoms of an addiction to pornography; 2) identify the causes and contributing factors that may contribute to the onset of a porn addiction; and 3) provide advice on how to effectively manage and treat a porn addiction.
Signs and Symptoms of Porn Addiction
There is no single, definitive list of signs and symptoms of a porn addiction, as everyone experiences this disorder differently. However, some common signs and symptoms may include:
• Preoccupation with pornography: Porn addicts are often preoccupied with pornography and their thoughts become ‘consumed’ by sexual images.
• Compulsive use: An uncontrollable need to view, search for, and/or review explicit content.
• Unsuccessful attempts to control viewing habits: Despite repeated attempts to reduce or quit viewing porn altogether, unsuccessful attempts to control use are common.
• Stress relief: The compulsive need to watch pornographic material may serve as a temporary distraction from other issues or provide a momentary relief from intense stress and emotions.
• Increasingly bold or extreme viewing habits: A porn addict may transition from viewing more ‘vanilla’ pornographic material to more extreme or intense content.
• Sexual dysfunction: Porn addicts may experience difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection and/or have difficulty climaxing without the use of pornography.
• Changes in behavior: Porn addicts may display irritability, depression, or decline in physical activity and socialization.
• Tolerance and withdrawal: Similar to other addictive behaviors, porn addicts typically require more intense or stimulating material over time and may experience withdrawal symptoms when abstaining from pornography.
Causes and Contributing Factors of Porn Addiction
To date, there is no definitive cause of porn addiction, though researches have identified several contributing factors that may lead to the development of a porn addiction.
• Stress and depression: Individuals who suffer from distress and depression may be more likely to become addicted to pornography as a form of ‘escapism’ from the difficulties of daily life.
• Low self-esteem: Low self-esteem, including feelings of inadequacy and insecurity may lead an individual to utilize pornography to create a sense of self-worth and empowerment.
• Poor impulse control: Individuals with poor impulse control may be more prone to engaging in indiscriminate, impulsive behaviors, such as viewing pornography.
• Gender differences: Men are more likely than women to develop a porn addiction due to certain brain differences and social pressures.
• Social environment: Certain social environments, such as isolation or living in an overly sexualized world, may increase the likelihood of a porn addiction.
Advice for Managing and Treating Porn Addiction
The following four tips can assist an individual struggling with a porn addiction in managing their struggle:
• Identify triggers: It is important to recognize External and internal triggers that may drive urges or compulsive behaviors.
• Set goals: Establish achievable goals and create a plan to reduce and/or manage urges and compulsive behaviors.
• Increase self-awareness: Become aware of how pornography is impacting one’s life and find healthy, alternative ways to cope with stress and emotions.
• Seek Professional Help: Professional help from a mental health and/or substance abuse professional can be invaluable in managing a porn addiction.
Conclusion
Porn addiction is a prevalent issue with wide-reaching consequences and is important to recognize and understand. By being mindful of the signs, causes, and potential treatment methods, individuals can gain better insight into their condition and make steps
