What Constitutes A Porn Addiction?

It's true; anyone can develop a porn addiction. The question then, is what does it take to reach and maintain recovery? As with any addiction, there may be underlying mental health issues to address in order to fully recover. So, how do you begin your journey toward overcoming your porn addiction? 

Porn addiction can appear in a variety of ways. Generally speaking, addiction tends to induce very similar behaviors, regardless of the type. For example, many addicts describe feeling powerless in the face of compulsive urges. In the end, they feel the only way to get rid of an impulse is to act on it. As a result, it's common for an addict to feel like life is unmanageable without their addiction. 

In this article, let's talk about the signs, impact, and first steps towards porn addiction recovery. 

What Are Signs of Porn Addiction

There are several indicators that may help you determine if you have a porn addiction. 

Self-loathing

• Examples include habits or activities such as: 
• Excessive viewing of pornography
• Porn interrupts normal, everyday responsibilities 
• Losing track of time while engaged in porn
• Compulsive masturbation
• Feelings of shame or guilt after use
• Continue to view porn, even when you don't want to
• Isolating
• Lying about behaviors or keeping them a secret

Understanding the Reality of Porn Addiction

If you or someone you love is struggling to accept the reality of porn addiction, don't give up hope!

Porn addiction can make it difficult to enjoy being intimate with a partner because a spouse can't turn fantasies into reality. Although unreasonable expectations may seem possible, they often lead to disappointment and frustration. As a result, the one with the addiction may not realize the damaging repercussions. 

One way to determine the reality of an addiction is when an area of life becomes unmanageable without it. For example, some may have to view porn before they can be intimate with a partner. As a result, they may begin to justify their actions rather than recognize the problem. 

The path to recovery is usually extremely difficult to venture alone. Likewise, a person struggling to see the reality of their addiction may require support and help from others. 

Healing and recovery often come with the help of a licensed and trained therapist. By design, treatment aims to help individuals "see" their porn addiction in a new light. The first step of recovery is recognizing and accepting the reality of the addiction. 

Ready to speak to a therapist? Call us today! We have therapists eager and able to help you get started on your journey toward recovery.

How To Start Overcoming Porn Addiction?

Taking that first step toward porn addiction recovery can be overwhelming. Hence, the reason professional help is so essential.  

Once you are ready, you'll meet with your therapist. They are fully licensed and trained addiction rehabilitation professionals. During your first visit, they will perform a mental health assessment. After establishing a porn addiction, they will work with you to design a treatment and recovery plan.  

A mental health assessment helps therapists investigate a person's mental and physical symptoms. Likewise, this helps bring to light deeply rooted issues that may be driving the addiction. For example, underlying issues may include trauma, abuse, or mental health issues. As a result, assessments can be a useful way to provide you with the best recovery plan. 

Did You Know - Porn Addiction Statistics

It's no surprise that pornography is impacting so many people. Did you know: 

• Roughly 40 million Americans click onto porn sites regularly. (Psychguides.com)
• 88% of porn scenes contain physical aggression. (Psychguides.com)
• Approximately 25% of all search engine queries are for pornography (addicthq.org)
• 20% of internet searches via mobile device are for porn (Psychguides.com)
• An estimated 35% of all downloads on the internet are pornographic in nature. (addicthq.org)

At Counseling Alliance, we specialize in porn addiction treatment and recovery. We're ready to help you get started on your journey of healing and recovery. Call us today or visit our website to learn more.