The Porn Addiction Cycle: Overview & Self-Application

The complex network of behavioral addiction, particularly as it pertains to pornography and sexual activity, is garnering increasing interest within the field of psychological research. In order to adequately alleviate the detrimental consequences of porn addiction, it is critical to augment one's understanding and awareness of the recurring pattern. The objective of this is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the "Porn Addiction Cycle" and propose intervention strategies that align with its stages (Carnes, P., 1983).

The beginning of this cycle occurs when an individual experiences a craving or trigger. These triggers, which are unique to each individual, exist beyond the core of the addictive cycle and have a significant impact on whether a person is introduced to or removed from the cycle (Cooper, A., et al., 2000).

Triggers, which are frequently regarded as minor disruptions or emotional pitfalls, are, at their core, unattended needs and emotions that demand recognition and resolution. I cannot emphasize strongly enough - triggers are real, genuine needs that must be resolved, not ignored. These triggers often stem from profound, unresolved emotions such as fear, anxiety, worry, loneliness, abandonment, rejection, and neglect. Rather than regarding these triggers as annoyances that require avoidance or repression, it is critical to acknowledge them as authentic manifestations of our internal emotional landscape. Through active involvement and comprehension of the fundamental origins of these triggers, individuals hold the ability to initiate a profound process of introspection and restoration. From a psychological standpoint, it is more advantageous to confront and reconcile with these emotional triggers rather than distancing oneself from them. Doing so fosters emotional maturity and resilience, whereas self-imposed isolation may only offer a momentary respite, permitting unresolved matters to accumulate and reappear in potentially harmful manners.

When confronted with the initial decision-making juncture, the fundamental motivation frequently originates from a wish to mitigate the unease caused by the previously mentioned stimulus. Adopting a constructive course of action can avert one from spiraling deeper into the cycle of addiction, whereas making a detrimental or passive choice can reinforce the addiction.

So, to recap, before looking at what takes place within the acting-out cycle, it’s important to be aware and self-identify the following items:

1. Problematic scenarios where engaging in porn is more likely, despite self-imposed boundaries

2. What triggers tend to set a potential acting-out cycle in motion (eg. emotional discomfort or craving/urge)

3. What FIX are you seeking - the payoff (eg. relief of difficult emotions or satisfaction of the craving)

4. What interventions are being leveraged at the initial choice point.

A couple of items that most people miss when looking at these four items. First, your interventions MUST align with the fix you’re seeking. In other words, if you’re seeking relief from worry and anxiety, then you will need to engage in interventions that provide relief from anxiety and worry. If you leverage an intervention that provides validation then your intervention will fail and it is quite common to blame yourself and launch a shame cycle on top of the addiction cycle. Second, the intervention process is a two-step process. If you’re actively triggered then you’re most likely existing in an ‘altered mental state’. If you’ve ever engaged in viewing porn despite a strong desire to avoid it, then you have experienced this altered mental state. One must break this altered mental state before you’re able to successfully attempt any intervention. Only at that point, once the individual has left the fight-or-flight zone and re-entered the rational/logic portion of the brain (the limbic system) you’ll successfully be able to navigate a triggered scenario. If you’d like to discuss exactly what steps could achieve this for you, feel free to schedule a session to meet with Professor Bisher.

The Porn Addiction Cycle is comprised of the following four phases:

1. Preoccupation: During this phase, the individual becomes preoccupied with an imagined reality to an excessive degree. In contrast to fleeting thoughts, preoccupation denotes an alternative cognitive domain and elicits significant neural activity. This phase may be comparable in intensity to the act of consuming pornographic material. Social isolation and diminished work performance as a result of increased distraction are potential outcomes that may result from this cognitive activity (Doidge, N., 2007) [3^].

2. Ritualization: This phase is distinguished by the presence of repetitive patterns and consistent behaviors exhibited by individuals prior to performing the act. This may materialize in the form of explicitly explicit messages or visits to particular websites. During this phase, the neurochemical euphoria experienced can be exceptionally intense, frequently emulating the pleasure obtained from the consumption behavior itself.

3. Utilization: This signifies the act of consuming, which builds upon the preceding phases.

4. Aftermath - Despair or Guilt: Following the act of consuming, individuals commonly experience deep regret or despair as they confront the consequences of their behavior. Contrary to appearances, this emotional turmoil may paradoxically propel them back to the initial stage of the cycle, preoccupation, thereby continuing the addiction (Kühn & Gallinat, 2014).

The protracted durations of this cyclical trend may ensnare individuals. Certain individuals remain ensnared indefinitely, whereas others cycle between stages, specifically preoccupation or guilt.

It is imperative to engage in self-reflection and recognize one's individual cycle in order to implement an effective intervention. It can be crucial to identify triggers, understand the symptoms of each stage, and distinguish critical decision-making moments. Moreover, it is advantageous to formulate a sequence of interventions – proactive strategies aimed at discouraging or escaping the recurring pattern. Although success is not guaranteed with every intervention, maintaining a consistent level of involvement and flexibility can be crucial.

Details that lie outside the purview of this discourse encompass the 'choice paradox' and the function of memory retention techniques, both of which necessitate additional investigation.

For additional information or support, please feel at liberty to reach out to admin@bpbcounseling.com.

References

• P. Carnes, (1983). "Out of the Shadows: An Examination of Sexual Addiction" Hazelden Publishing.

• Cooper et al. (2000). Cooper, A. Compulsive cybersex users, abusers, and compulsives: recent discoveries and ramifications. Compulsivity & Sexual Addiction, 7(1-2), 5-29.

• N. Doidge (2007). Anthology of Individual Successes from the Precipice of Brain Research, "The Brain That Changes Itself" Penguin Publishing.

• Kühn, S., and J. Gallinat (2014). The brain on porn: An examination of the structural and functional connectivity of the brain in relation to pornography consumption (JAMA Psychiatry, 71, 7: 827-834).