The Top 10 Signs of Porn Addiction

What Are The Top 10 Signs Of Porn Addiction?

In the world of behavioral addictions, porn addiction tends to be misunderstood. This not only continues to stigmatize this addiction, but also makes it them difficult to spot. Whether or not behavioral addictions, such as porn addiction, are “actual addictions” is highly debated in the psychiatric and treatment communities. While some of these addictions, like gambling addiction, are much more accepted than others, such as sex addiction, for example, there is still a great deal of controversy from medical professionals on where addictions end and compulsions begin.

Regardless, there are people suffering. So, whether it is an addiction or compulsion, you should still seek help. One of the most reported addictions is porn addiction, or feeling a compulsion to watch porn and not being able to stop. Like any addiction, though, there are signs that you may be having a problem. If you are wondering whether excessive pornography use has reached the level of addiction, it is important to watch out for the top 10 signs of porn addiction.

1. You Can’t Stop

You are unable to stop using or viewing pornography, despite trying to do so. If you can’t stop, you may notice that you are spending more and more time on the internet despite others’ attempts to communicate with you.

2. You Want More

You may experience cravings to view more, or feel cravings if you have gone without porn for any amount of time. You may find yourself sneaking away from your partner to another room. It’s possible that you’ll give an excuse or get defensive when questioned about your behavior.

3. You’ve Lost Time

You may lose large periods of time to viewing porn, wasting most of the day without accomplishing anything. You could notice that you’ve become lethargic and haven’t accomplished much as of late. You might seem like you don’t care or that you are very uninterested in anything else.

4. You’ve Lost Interest In Sex

If you’re addicted to porn, you’ll likely lose interest in real sex. Not only that, but you may find your partner less attractive than you did before. You might become unresponsive to romantic advances from your partner. This can cause your partner to view you as distant or even uninterested when they try to engage with you sexually. You may require more stimulation than you had previously needed in order to become aroused.

5. You’re More Demanding

A porn addiction may cause you to develop some unrealistic ideas about sex. You might become more demanding in the bedroom, find yourself easily frustrated, and/or begin alienating your partner. When this happens, your partner can feel physically and emotionally uncomfortable.

6. You’ve Lost Attraction

Porn addiction can give you unrealistic expectations of beauty for your partner. This can make your partner feel hurt about their appearance and create a greater problem for their self-esteem.

7. You’re In Physical Pain

You may begin to experience physical pain as a result of porn addiction. This can be from the repetition of certain physical movements for long periods, or from the strain that comes with excessive computer use. You might frequently complain about your wrist, neck, and back, or might experience headaches.

8. You’re Losing Money

It’s possible that you’ve started spending money for what you consider higher quality content. When this happens, you can quickly begin falling into some kind of financial hardship. This can manifest as your complaining more about money problems but being unwilling to disclose the exact nature of these problems.

9. You’re Distracted

If you find yourself distracted from different aspects of life, it might have something to do with porn addiction. Your mind might drift to porn when you’re with friends, family, or coworkers. This can significant impact personal and professional life. It can make you distant from your partner and their attempts to connect with you.

10. You’re Angry

Like with any addiction, if you can’t stop using porn, you may become easily irritable when it’s not available. You may find your patience wearing thin, especially with tasks you view as obstacles to porn use. This can also make it easier to lash out at your partner, who could notice major changes in your personality and feel that you’re not the same person that they had loved before.

Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder

According to the National Institute On Drug Abuse, almost 8 million adults have a dual diagnosis (meaning they are afflicted by both a substance use disorder and another mental health condition). In fact, almost 40% of those with substance use disorders also have other mental health conditions. Of the total population of adults with dual diagnosis, more than half (52.5%, to be exact) don’t get treatment for either component.

Those who struggle with porn addiction, therefore, may also have a co-occurring substance use disorder. According to an article published in Nordic Studies On Alcohol And Drugs, Amphetamines “facilitate pornography inspired sexual experimentation…gradually this is for many transformed into sexual practices that are seen as practically manic.”

These practices can include compulsive masturbation, especially for men; the use of Amphetamines, therefore, may contribute to porn addiction and vice-versa.

When addiction to both illicit substances and pornography coincide, addressing the conditions may be that much more difficult; psychosocial support, especially in the form of support groups comprised of individuals who have a shared experience, could be instrumental in drawing comfort and pleasure from a different and more sustainable source.

Talking About Porn Addiction

If you find it difficult to curtail your use of porn, you may feel some shame. It is important to be able to speak openly if you believe that you or someone you know is exhibiting any of the top 10 signs of porn addiction. Only by opening up to the idea of help can anyone get better. If you’re interested in learning more information about your online counseling options for porn addiction, click here.