Pornography consumption is an all-too-common pastime. According to some studies, between 86 and 96 per cent of men regularly watch porn.
In contrast, women consume slightly less pornographic content than men.
While many people occasionally view porn for self-exploration, sexual education, and even improving relationships with partner, making it a habit to the point where pornography affects your daily life may be detrimental to your well-being.
Porn addiction, like other addictions, can have a wide range of negative consequences.
Porn addiction is a person's emotional dependence on pornography. It is to the point where it interferes with their day-to-day life and ability to function.
Some doctors classify porn addiction as a hypersexual disorder. The disorder encompasses behaviours such as excessive masturbation. Porn addiction is a behavioural addiction that includes compulsive behaviour patterns. Here, a person engages in an activity despite the negative consequences.
What are the sign’s that you might be addicted…
Pornography addiction is a contentious diagnosis, and not all therapists will accept it.
Furthermore, researchers have presented various models of the signs. Some healthcare professionals and counsellors believe that pornography is not inherently dangerous. However, it has the ability to become problematic depending on the individual viewpoint. Some signs that pornography is causing a problem include:
A person's sexual life becomes less fulfilling.
Pornography causes relationship problems or makes a person unhappy with their partner.
A person engages in risky behaviour, such as viewing pornography at work.
Most research on addiction suggests that it activates regions of the brain associated with motivation and reward. Addiction, in particular, alters the body's dopamine system.
When an addict first uses the substance or engages in the behaviour, they experience an intense rush of dopamine. It causes feelings of pleasure and reward. However, their body may produce less dopamine over time. This forces them to consume more of the substance or behaviour to feel the dopamine rush.
In terms of dopamine, sex can be a highly rewarding behaviour. Pornography can also activate the dopamine system, which can lead to addiction. Addiction is often known to affect other aspects of the brain as well. It gradually alters it and creates difficulties for the addict to avoid the addictive substance or behaviour.
What Does Science Say?
A study of males seeking treatment for problematic pornography use (PPU) discovered brain changes consistent with addiction. In addition, the researchers discovered that men with PPU brains reacted differently to erotic images or the anticipation of them than men without PPU brains.
The use of pornography may also have an impact on people's relationships. According to some studies, pornography, for example, creates unrealistic sex expectations.
According to another study, the use of pornography associates with less sexual satisfaction among heterosexual male participants in couples.
Accessing pornography is simple. It can take far less effort than interacting with a partner. Unfortunately, for some, this can contribute to an unhealthy cycle. The cycle where porn causes relationship problems. It leads the person to rely even more heavily on pornography to achieve sexual satisfaction and escape real relationships.
Additionally, anxiety disorders have been linked to an increased appetite for erotic material. Furthermore, this hypersexual disorder can lead to mood disorders or substance abuse problems.
While this is purely speculative, there have been links drawn between excessive pornographic consumption and erectile dysfunction as well as other sexual dysfunctions.
How do I overcome this?
Excessive porn viewing can be easily dismissed as a harmless way to satisfy erotic desires. However, when these urges take a firm grip on free will, demanding that they be fulfilled regardless of comfort, this can be detrimental to your well-being.
On the bright side, despite how overwhelming porn may appear, porn addiction is manageable with expert intervention. The individual can take the right help from trusted professionals.
An effective way to control negative behaviour is to speak with a mental health professional.
Furthermore, family therapy and relationship counselling can aid in navigating the complexities. Professional help can be useful in navigating guilt feelings and compulsion that associates with porn consumption. It can also help with the habit's emotional and intimacy issues.
Trust this helps,