One study found that 11% of men and 3% of women reported that they were addicted to pornography. It’s easy to get lost in the labyrinth of online content. Amidst this vast sea of information and entertainment, pornography addiction has emerged as a significant concern affecting individuals worldwide.
At Make It Happen Hypnotherapy (MIHH), we recognise the importance of addressing this issue with sensitivity and understanding.
Let’s discuss and shed light on pornography addiction, its underlying causes, signs and symptoms, effects, risk factors, treatment options, prevention strategies, and available resources. You can have a healthier relationship with your sexuality. It can improve your general well-being. You can help yourself more if you know more about the exact dangers of this addiction.
Pornography addiction, also known as compulsive sexual behaviour disorder or porn addiction, refers to a pattern of behaviour where an individual experiences difficulty controlling their consumption of pornographic material, leading to negative consequences in various aspects of their life.
Pornography addiction has increased a lot in recent years. One main cause is an increase in explicit content online. This addiction can disturb your mental health, relationships, and general well-being. It is quite alarming. So, there must be treatment methods to resolve this problem effectively.
What is pornography addiction?
Pornography addiction is a compulsive need to watch pornographic material too much… even when you know how dangerous it can be. It can dysregulate your brain pathways related to reward and pleasure… just like other addictions. This might push you into a cycle of craving, consumption, and guilt.
How does pornography addiction develop?
You may develop pornography addiction slowly. You may usually start with casual watching that increases as time passes. How and why does it happen? Well… because of family history, psychological illnesses, and friends’ pressure perhaps.
Factors contributing to pornography addiction
Biological factors: Family history of pornography addiction, neurotransmitter disbalance, and disturbed brain chemistry
Psychological factors: Hidden mental health issues, unresolved trauma, low self-esteem, and unhealthy “trying to push illness away by distracting your mind” can develop addictive behaviours.
Social and cultural factors: Social norms, friends’ pressure, easy access to pornography, and cultural behaviour towards sex can also develop pornography addiction.
Signs and Symptoms of Pornography Addiction
Behavioural signs
You spend so much time watching pornography.
You try not to watch it anymore… but fail.
You neglect more important commitments because you are always watching pornography.
You may not participate in get togethers and parties because of watching it all the time.
Emotional signs
You may feel guilty, shameful, or embarrassed because of watching pornography.
You can have severe mood swings or frustration if you cannot access pornography.
You may use pornography as a coping mechanism to escape your negative emotions or stress.
Physical signs
Fatigue, insomnia, or disrupted sleep patterns.
Physical discomfort or pain related to prolonged sitting or viewing pornography.
Sexual dysfunction or changes in sexual arousal patterns.
Interpersonal signs
Strained relationships with partners, family members, or friends due to secrecy or deception about pornography use.
Difficulty maintaining intimacy or emotional connection in relationships.
Decreased satisfaction with real-life sexual experiences compared to pornography.
Impact on mental health
Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders
Distorted perception of sexuality and unrealistic expectations
Decreased self-esteem and body image issues
Impact on relationships
Breakdown of trust and communication in romantic relationships
Reduced intimacy and emotional connection with partners
Conflict and resentment stemming from secrecy or betrayal related to pornography use
Impact on sexual health
Desensitisation to sexual stimuli and decreased arousal response
Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and other sexual dysfunctions
Inhibition of sexual exploration and satisfaction outside of pornography
Impact on personal and professional life
Impaired productivity and concentration due to preoccupation with pornography
Financial consequences from spending money on pornography subscriptions or related paraphernalia
Legal ramifications in cases of illegal or non-consensual pornography consumption
Age and gender
Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable to developing pornography addiction due to curiosity, peer influence, and hormonal changes. Although anyone can develop a pornography addiction, research suggests that men can be more addicted to it against women.
Co-occurring mental health disorders
You may develop this addiction more easily if you already have psychological problems, i.e. anxiety, depression, PTSD, or substance abuse disorders. You may get addicted to distract yourself from your negative thoughts. You may be thinking about it as some sort of self-treatment or keeping negative thoughts at bay.
Family history of addiction
Your family may have a history of pornography addiction. If you have a genetic tendency of substance abuse or OCD, you may be an easy victim to this addiction.
Individual therapy
Psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy, can help you revisit your hidden underlying issues. You can learn to develop coping plans. What’s more, you might change your unhealthy thoughts and behaviours.
Group therapy
Group therapy sessions can give you supportive surroundings so you can share your experiences and get valuable insights from others. You can also learn practical coping skills and relapse prevention strategies.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT methods, i.e. cognitive restructuring, behavioural experiments, and exposure therapy can help you rethink your disturbed beliefs about pornography. You might develop healthier coping mechanisms and regulate your negative thoughts and behaviours.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
You can use antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to deal with co-occurring symptoms of depression, anxiety, or OCD that may push you towards pornography addiction.
Developing healthier habits: You can take up hobbies i.e. exercise, painting, meditation, or creative arts. These things can help you turn your mind away from pornography… and towards a better life.
Setting boundaries and limits: You must set strict boundaries around pornography. You can put up time limits, assign locations where you can watch it, or accountability measures. These steps can help you regain control over your behaviour.
Getting professional help: You should talk to a qualified therapist or addiction specialist immediately. They can tell you so much more about how dangerous this addiction can be. They can hold your hand through your recovery to give you the best treatment.
Building a support network: You must find very supportive friends, family members, or good recovering friends in your support group. They can encourage you to stay motivated during your recovery process.
Pornography addiction is an unhealthy habit. It is mostly a coping strategy for other psychological illnesses. You must stay very patient, encouraged, and determined. You can manage this addiction if you accept the problem, get proper support, and develop healthy coping strategies.
We are always here to hold your hand through your recovery to become well again at Make It Happen Hypnotherapy (MIHH).
If you or someone you know is struggling with pornography addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Together, we can resolve this addiction and nudge you towards a healthier and happier future.
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Our Clinical Hypnotherapists will guide you into a state of trance similar to daydreaming. By working with your subconscious mind, we will find out the underlying causes of your emotional suffering, and establish desired outcomes for you. To achieve this, we will use various techniques like Inner Child Therapy, Regression, Parts Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Rewind Technique, and more.
