Even though there is no medical consensus on what constitutes an addiction to porn, many people report problems related to their porn usage that are strikingly similar to those reported by those with other addictions. Individuals who claim an addiction to porn often exhibit behaviors indicative of the disorder, such as engaging in excessive or compulsive porn usage, experiencing strong impulses to view porn, or continuing to engage in porn use despite negative consequences.

Can You Describe Porn Addiction?

Although the APA does not now recognize pornography addiction as a diagnosable condition, this may change in the future. New evidence is mounting that porn may be as addictive as drugs and have comparable negative effects on certain individuals as their use does. The hallmarks of addiction include incessant usage, intense desires, a lack of self-control, and a refusal to stop using despite the negative effects of doing so.

As an additional piece of proof that porn addiction may one day be recognized as a legitimate addictive condition, the World Health Organization has only lately publicly acknowledged sexual addiction.

The Repercussions of Porn Obsession

Most persons who admit to having a problem with their porn use are upset by the amount and frequency of their viewing and have tried to cut back in the past with little success. Many users also note that their pornographic behavior has cost them dearly, including relationships, careers, and even financial security. There are a lot of similarities between this and the experiences of persons with other addictions.

The following are some data on the prevalence of pornography dependency:

Only 9% of Americans don't feel they have a problem with pornographic media.

Self-reported porn addiction rates are 2% for women and 6% for males.

Sixty percent of males seeking therapy for a pornographic addiction reported erectile difficulties in a romantic relationship but not when watching porn.

Both sexes in committed partnerships report less gratification from sexual activity after watching porn.

The consumption of pornographic material is also linked to an increase in the likelihood of adultery, divorce, and separation.

Some evidence suggests that porn may lead to the development of irrational ideas of what constitutes physical appeal or beauty, since porn users are more likely to express dissatisfaction with their own or their partner's bodies.

Can there be a healthy way to enjoy porn?

Not everyone who watches porn becomes addicted to it, and many individuals may use it in ways that aren't troublesome or destructive to their relationships. Some people claim that they experience an increase in libido or an improvement in their sexual performance as a result. Problematic porn usage or addiction is more likely to occur in some individuals, such as those who already struggle with addiction or who use the medium to satisfy a need for sexual stimulation that isn't met elsewhere.

Is There Really an Addiction to Porn?

Many scientists believe porn addiction to be genuine, although it has not yet been legally recognized as a mental disease. Recent years have seen greater international recognition of sexual addiction as a medical illness, with the WHO adding "sexual addiction" to its list of recognized disorders. Recurrent, uncontrolled sexual fantasies, urges, or actions, such as porn consumption, are the hallmark of a newly-classified illness called compulsive sexual behavior disorder.

To fully comprehend the negative effects of porn, it may be helpful to first consider the ways in which satisfying sexual desires through porn is distinct from doing so in actual, intimate sexual encounters with others.

In particular, the following are some of the distinctions:

The first consideration is natural versus artificial. As with most things in life, if we choose to pursue the artificial imitation of the real thing it is often times more convenient and simpler to obtain or achieve, however, the artificial object often brings with it negative consequences not otherwise anticipated. One question to ask one's self is if the pursuit of pornography is in a preference for ease of access, convenience, for self absorption without having to check in with reality. Natural is often less forgiving and more demanding however it is also providing the results of the real thing.

Most individuals can find porn at any hour of the day or night, giving them instant satisfaction.

As far as sexual partners, settings, and activities go, porn provides an almost limitless supply.

Pornographic material is a matter of personal choice and does not necessitate the involvement of a third party.

By obscuring the identities of its viewers, porn facilitates the satisfaction of sexual desires.

Some of the obsessions and desires are shown in porn are hazardous or even criminal in the real world.

Porn normalizes sex behaviors that are violent and humiliating, especially to women.

Due to the nature of internet porn, viewers may develop preferences, desires, and expectations that are unrealistic and hence impossible to achieve in actual sexual interactions.

Recent Studies on the Addiction to Porn

Research on the brains of those with sexual addictions (such as excessive porn use) has revealed anomalies similar to those seen in those with substance abuse disorders. The neurotransmitter dopamine is released when a person engages in activities like watching porn, and this release is connected to the development of so-called "addiction pathways" in the brain.

On the basis of their unique biological, psychological, or neurological characteristics, certain persons may be more predisposed to developing a pornographic addiction.

People who have trouble making decisions are said to have low executive functioning (higher level thinking in charge of planning, impulse control, and decision making)

Individuals who experience a chronically elevated stress reaction

Sexually motivated people

Those who already suffer from a mood or anxiety issue

Individuals with Addiction Disorders Not Relating to Substance Use

Individuals that have a greater need for novelty (a preference for new or different experiences)

Those who have trouble focusing or paying attention

However, while some people may be genetically predisposed to developing a pornographic addiction, it is ultimately up to the person to decide whether or not to act on that predisposition.

Those who are predisposed to developing an addiction can still protect themselves by avoiding risky situations, such those in which they can encounter addictive drugs or activities. It is still possible to halt and modify a habit, which aids in rewiring connections in the brain, even after addiction has developed.

How Come We Get Hooked On Porn?

Why some people develop an addiction to porn and others don't is unclear. Some persons may be more prone to addictive or compulsive behaviors than others due to biological, genetic, or environmental variables. Possible triggers and predisposing conditions for acquiring a pornographic fixation include:

A person's susceptibility to developing an addiction is increased by their genetic make-up, especially if they have a family history of either mental illness or another addiction.

Trauma or major life stress in early life increases the chance for all mental health problems, including addiction.

People who are more prone to acting on impulses or taking risks are also at a higher risk for developing an addiction.

Low self-esteem, social isolation, and a lack of bonding are risk factors unique to the development of compulsive sexual practices.

To be a man: Men, especially those in their teens and early 20s, are more likely to use porn and more likely to develop a pornographic substance abuse disorder than women.

Spending an excessive amount of time online, together with having highly specialized fetishes or sexual fantasies, raises the likelihood of problematic porn usage.

Risk-taking, impulsivity, and a need for novelty are all traits associated with a higher likelihood of engaging in problematic sexual conduct.

Compulsive sexual conduct is a significant risk factor due to the high prevalence of various mental health and addiction issues in those who report engaging in such activity.

A person's own decisions are also a crucial role in determining whether or not they will develop an addiction, in addition to the aforementioned risk factors. You may still become addicted to porn even if you don't share any of the following risk characteristics by, for instance:7

repeatedly subjecting oneself to pornographic material

As an alternative to actual sexual activity, many people turn to porn.

Searching for more severe porn

Performing pornographic acts in socially inappropriate contexts

To rely on porn as a means of relieving stress or dealing with painful emotions.

Giving in to frequent desires to see porn

Persisting in pornographic media use despite adverse effects

There are 15 Telltale Signs You're Addicted to Porn

The more we learn about the causes and consequences of pornographic addiction, the more probable it is that we will arrive at a universal set of criteria to define healthy and unhealthy pornographic behavior. But indicators of a pornography issue might include sexual obsession, difficulty to manage sexual desires, and poor performance in sexual situations.

Possible warning indicators of a porn use disorder include:

excessive pornographic use, either in terms of frequency or duration,

Trying to reduce or eliminate one's exposure to porn without success.

being fixated on pornographic material or sexual ideas

feeling guilty, repugnant, or upset because of one's porn viewing habits (quantity, quality, or frequency).

Suffering from a lack of self-control about sexual impulses or pornographic media usage

Relational strife or estrangement as a result of pornographic behavior

Problems becoming sexually aroused or performing in real life with partners

The emergence of unsettling or distressing new sexual obsessions in an individual

Explicit pornographic media consumption in socially unacceptable contexts (like at work, in public, or around children)

the rising demand for more intense and participatory porn (e.g. fetish or webcam)

A sense of embarrassment over one's sexual desires and actions in private

Using porn when one is past the point of enjoyment

Taking extreme measures to disguise pornographic content

Making, buying, or selling pornographic material is unlawful (i.e. featuring children, bestiality, rape, etc.)

Porn usage that is not reduced or stopped despite negative effects on one's career, family life, romantic connections, or other vital areas of one's life.

What Effects Does Porn Have on Someone?

The potential for damage from porn addiction is a serious issue regardless of whether or not the condition is recognized.

Problems associated with porn consumption, especially excessive use, include:

Real-life difficulties becoming aroused, performing sexually, or even having an orgasmic experience

Creating unique sex needs that can only be fulfilled virtually.

Developing an insatiable appetite for sexual stimulation that can only be satisfied by frequent internet visits.

Making unflattering analogies between one's sex partner and the leads in pornographic films

Dissatisfaction with one's body or one's sexual abilities as a result of constant pornographic comparisons.

Alterations in sexual norms and how partners are cared for

An increased risk for committing sexual crimes

In what ways does porn affect married people?

It has been shown via research that excessive porn consumption has a number of negative effects on committed partnerships, including those between individuals (some partners may even consider watching porn as cheating). Disconnection between partners is possible if sex quality declines, and reporting problematic porn use nearly doubles the likelihood of a divorce.

Research has indicated that couples who watch too much porn have trouble with:

Raising the possibility of cheating

A rate of divorce or separation that is double the national average

Despair in interpersonal connections

Increasing incidences of conflict

Bringing down the level of closeness and pleasure in sexual encounters

More unfavorable judgments of a partner’s looks and sexual performance

Partner’s feeling sexually objectified or devalued because of their partner’s usage of porn

The Gender Gap in Porn Use

Most problem porn users who seek therapy are male, however there are some women who claim being addicted to porn.

However, there is some data that shows that women use porn differently than males, and are more likely to use it with their partners, instead of alone. Porn may worsen men's relationships, while it may enhance women's relationships and sexual satisfaction, according to certain studies.

However, these findings are not totally consistent, with some surveys and research showing instances of detrimental repercussions for both men and women in committed relationships.

Do these issues worsen if ignored for longer periods of time?

A person's success in overcoming an addiction is typically enhanced by treatments like counseling. While some people are able to overcome an addiction without treatment, having the structure and support of weekly group or individual sessions may be very helpful to those in recovery. When ignored, it is possible for some people’s addictions to deteriorate, becoming more severe and having more negative repercussions on a person’s life.

5 Tips for How to Stop a Porn Addiction

Those who have developed a sexual addiction, whether to porn or anything else, have access to a wide variety of treatment programs. Find an accountability buddy and think back on why you want to cut back on porn to supplement professional aid.

Here are five ways that might help you overcome a porn addiction:

1. Involve Your Helping Hands

Extreme shame is a common experience for addicts, and it may be more prevalent for those with sexual addictions. While it may be challenging to open up and the reception may be ambivalent, doing so is often a necessary step in the healing process. Find a few trusted loved ones or a support group like Sex Addicts Anonymous to help you through your recovery. Give them precise instructions on how they can aid you.

2. Make It Harder to Access Porn

Keep in mind that your willpower is finite, and do everything you can to preserve what you have. Putting your computer in a public area of your house or workplace, or installing parental controls on your device, might make it more difficult to give in to fleeting desires. These baby steps can be your safety net for those times when you just don't have the drive to carry through.

3. Find Healthy Forms of Intimacy

Those who have had difficulty in this area often say that sexual activity does not elicit strong feelings of closeness or intimacy. Reconnect with a spouse in ways that bring intimacy back into the relationship by hugging, utilizing foreplay, or finding ways to be playful.

4. Remember Your “Why”

There is at least one excellent reason why you want to stop viewing porn and it is crucial to keep in touch with that reason. Some days are sure to be challenging and you will need to call your “why” to help you stay motivated to push through.

5. Be Still & Wait for the Urge to Pass

Inevitably, you are going to have cravings to watch porn. When these arise, you will want to act on them. Rather, pause, remain calm, and wait for the impulse to pass on its own. Think of it as a wave that surges and recedes within of you. In time, you'll notice a decline in the size and frequency of the waves.

Treatment for Porn Addiction

Several therapy methods exist to help persons who feel they are addicted to porn, in person and online. For some, solo therapy may be beneficial, while others can benefit from couples counseling, a support group, residential treatment, or medication to address the underlying illness.

Treatment methods for porn addiction include:

The therapist would work with the individual to determine the root causes of the pornographic urge and develop strategies to overcome them during individual therapy. The average length of a treatment session is one hour, and it is recommended that patients go once or twice weekly.

Couples Therapy: A couples therapist may help you work together to create limits around porn and help you discover what may be triggering the compulsive porn use.

Group Therapy: Group therapy is one viable option for those wishing to discover a support network of other people who have similar experiences. These meetings are often held in an office or agency and are led by professional counselors.

Pornography Addiction: What to Do If a Loved One Has a Problem

Do what you can to persuade a loved one who is battling with a pornography addiction to seek out expert help. Finding a therapist that has expertise with sexual addictions like pornography is vital, and may frequently help your loved one decide the proper form of therapy for them.

Reliable statistics regarding problematic porn use are limited for numerous reasons. For the present, these are some of the most credible statistics known on pornography addiction:

In a major poll, 16.3% of married persons admitted viewing porn sites multiple times each week

Eighty percent of married people who have had cybersex have also had an adulterous sexual encounter in the real world.

40% of those with sex addictions lose their spouse, 33% lose their career, and 58% suffer financial losses

Porn use has been reported to promote marital infidelity by more than 300%

One analysis indicated that 56% of divorces featured a ‘obsessive usage of porn’ by one of the individuals

In one research, 88% of pornography contained violence, mainly directed towards the female actress

60% of males in therapy for sex addiction deal with erectile dysfunction with their relationships but not when viewing porn

There is an inexplicable spike in erectile dysfunction in young healthy males (as high as 30%) that some experts attribute to greater porn use

Frequent porn use has more detrimental effects on men's relationships than women's.