Addiction is more commonly associated with alcohol, gambling and drugs. But there are other behavioural addictions that have a massive impact on people's day to day lives.
According to the NHS, addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you. There are a number of ways a person may develop an addiction.
Drugs and nicotine can affect the way you feel, both mentally and physically. These feelings can be enjoyable, and create a powerful urge to use the substances again.
Other addictions, such as gambling and shopping can create a mental "high" or buzz. This is because our brain releases dopamine, the brain's 'feel-good hormone' - it is also a neurotransmitter associated with addiction. According to the UK Addiction Treatment centres, when we view pornographic material, we are met with the same spike in dopamine that we get from other addictive behaviours.
After repeated porn viewing, achieving that same rush may become harder which may encourage a person to watch more and more of it in that desperate attempt to get the same rush or dopamine hit again. In some cases, excess porn viewing could be put down to a person experiencing anxiety and depression, with some using it as a tool to escape negative emotions or feelings.
According to Pornhub, since 2010, it has been recorded that Pornhub visits, specifically from mobile devices, have grown by 1424%, with users turning to their smartphones for porn more than all other platforms combined.
Sex addiction and porn addiction may involve similar patterns of behaviour, however the two are not the same. Sex addiction is more about the act of having intercourse, while porn addiction is more about the compulasion to view pornographic content.
Symptoms of porn addiction
- Feelings of guilt and shame when engaging with pornographic material
- increased porn use
- sexual dysfunction
- disconnect between yourself and your partner/loss of interest in intimate relationships
- loss of interest in sex/loss of libido
- using it as a method to self medicate to relieve comfortable emotions
- developing unrealistic ideas about sex
- loss of motivation and pleasure in daily activities
- being drawn to extreme porn
- risky behaviours, like watching porn at work
Treatment for porn addiction
Like most addictions, a person suffering may associate a sense of shame with their addiction, however it is important to reach out and seek help. If you think you may be suffering from a porn addiction, you could speak to your GP about it, and be assured that they are used to hearing about sexual issues and will not be judging you.
Porn addiction is treatable, and your GP may suggest that you see a counsellor. There is also the option of rehab, particularly if the addiction is severe.
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