Internet Porn Fuels Cycle of Compulsive Behavior

The compulsive nature of internet pornography continues to be a focus for addiction professionals and experts, but how does it impact the people who live with the addiction?

A recent post explores how the use of internet pornography may contribute to a cycle of behaviors that become addictive for viewers, starting with the element of escape or release a person may initially experience when using pornography online, similar to other drugs or substances. Often the person is using the materials to counteract feelings like sadness, depression, anger, loneliness or as a result of past trauma.

Yet, as the person continues to use the materials for a coping tool, their cravings and urges for internet pornography may become stronger and stronger until they are faced with obsessive thoughts and repeated behaviors associated with the materials.

Even when the consequences are serious and are known to the individual, they may be unable to stop themselves from viewing it in places like public areas or on the job. This compulsive nature is one of the symptoms that research continues to show make internet pornography addiction and sex addiction similar to other addictions.

A research study addressed in the post also states that many people who reported excessively using pornographic materials online believed they were addicted, but were unable to stop themselves from using the materials again to escape the unwanted emotions connected to the addiction itself.

Without professional help, the compulsive nature of internet pornography addiction can continue to destroy families, careers, finances and lives. With treatment that includes experts trained in sexual addictions, the cycle of obsessive and compulsive behaviors associated with pornography addiction, like other addictions, can be ended.