Is Pornography Addictive?

Whether a person can become addicted to using pornography is a question that is debated among experts. Some believe that only chemicals—drugs and alcohol—can cause addiction. Most experts, however, realize that behaviors can also become addictive. Compulsive pornography use is often considered to be one possible aspect of sex addiction, and it’s a big one. Because porn is so readily available online, and usually free, getting access is easy and checking it out is tempting. The next step for many people is getting hooked. 

Male Porn Addiction vs. an Active Sex Life

Pornography addiction, the most common form of sexual addiction, has a wide variety of real-world consequences. For starters, there are the usual problems associated with any form of addiction, such as trouble at work or in school, loss of interest in hobbies and other enjoyable activities, lack of self-care, declining physical and/or emotional health, social isolation, financial woes, and sometimes even legal issues. With male porn addiction, there can also be a variety of intimacy and sexuality consequences.

Pornography Addiction Can Be As Alluring As Drugs

The Internet has provided increased convenience with access to information, shopping and financial management, but there are negatives as well, including online gambling which can lead to compulsive behavior, and the same is true for pornography.

In prior decades, a minor pornographic curiosity could be quelled by the embarrassment of having a postal worker delivering a magazine subscription, or by having to purchase from a convenience store clerk. Now online pictures and enticing banner ads tempt even those that logged on to the computer with no intention of exploring pornography.

Pornography and Stress: An Endless Cycle – Part 2

Continued from Pornography and Stress: An Endless Cycle – Part 1.

While not always, this inability to cope and to practice healthy behaviors for dealing with stress often springs from childhood trauma, abuse, abandonment or a failure to effectively bond in early childhood relationships, primarily with parents. The individual becomes highly sensitive to stress and feels a profound need to maintain control of himself or his circumstances. In order to escape the crushing weight of trying to micromanage life, the individual often begins to explore substances or behaviors that promise to calm the brain and the body and provide a release from the constant, overwhelming tension.

Pornography and Stress: An Endless Cycle – Part 1

Stress and pornography consumption are inextricably linked. This is no surprise to the addict, who sees his need and desire for pornographic content intensify during periods of stress or emotional disturbance, and it is no surprise to scientists who study porn and sex addiction. The results of a study conducted by Carnegie Mellon confirmed their hunches—porn helps to lower stress levels.

However, that statement, without qualification, is incomplete and oversimplified. Invariably it leads to irresponsible psychological advice and misguided attempts to help men manage the stress in their lives, evidenced by a recent article in Men’s Health Magazine entitled “How Hot Women Help You De-Stress.”

Pornography and Loneliness – Part 2

Continued from Pornography and Loneliness –  Part 1.

Once porn has become your life, your comfort, you community, there is nowhere to turn; nothing satisfies — not even the porn. Complete loneliness has set in and the addict reaches a point of desperation. There are three options: keep increasing the quantity of porn you consume hoping that one day you’ll get that same dopamine rush that hooked you in the first place, find a new and harder drug, or get help reclaiming your life. Thinking “it’s no big deal” or that you can get your consumption under control on your own are only indicators of denial.

Pornography and Loneliness – Part 1

Feeling a little lonely? It isn’t completely off base to think that viewing a little porn might provide some relief for both the emotional need and the accompanying sexual frustration or desire. Yet consuming porn as a remedy for loneliness, or for a lack of adequate and fulfilling relationships, can mean danger. But what is so dangerous about using electronic sex to meet the need?

Webcam Porn Sex Addiction: Getting Out of the Internet Rut

Jared was only 10 the first time someone showed him pornography on the Internet, and while this may seem young, it was only one year before the average age most children in the US see porn for the first time.

By 12, Jared was using his family’s shared computer to regularly view pornography; it was a simple matter of clearing the computer’s cache and history. By 16, Jared had his own smartphone and laptop and had graduated from the standard porn films and amateur sites to something known in the industry as webcam girls. On these sites, Jared could watch a live video feed of any one of thousands of women across the world, and instantaneously chat with her via instant messaging. She might remove her clothing for him and proceed to do anything else he requested. Jared could see the woman through her video feed, but she couldn’t see him; she only had his words – and his money.

Sex Addictions are on the Rise and Some People are More at Risk than Others

Sex addiction is a very touchy subject. Admitting to an addiction of any type is tough to do, but when it involves sex, the odds of facing up to it are even lower. A sex addiction, also known as hypersexual disorder or compulsive sexual behavior, is an obsession with feelings, thoughts, or behaviors that are sexual in nature and which negatively affect aspects of your life. A sex addiction can be very destructive and can lead to damaged relationships, lowered self-esteem, lost careers, and more devastating effects.

Prostitution Addiction: Uproot the Cause, Correct False Beliefs

By all accounts, Pierce is a creative, funny, intelligent 30-something who owns a freelance business doing what he loves. He’s genuine and generous with his friends; he likes to surprise people with small finds and fun get-togethers. Pierce is known for his great stories and absolute loyalty. People describe him as, “a teddy bear,” and “a big-hearted guy.”