Are you afraid you or someone you are close to is addicted to porn? Porn addiction can be very difficult to admit to because it carries with it shame, embarrassment, and the potential to harm relationships—possibly more than any other type of addiction. However, it’s important to recognize the signs in yourself or in others so you can take action and begin getting help.
Here is more on the signs of porn addiction and what to do if you or someone you love has a problem.
Different Types of Porn Viewers
It’s important to note that all those who view porn are not considered addicts. Some porn viewers are considered ‘recreational’ and watch for an average of only 24 minutes each week—sometimes with their romantic partners. Recreational viewers have no disruption to their normal lives and are not addicts.
The next category is non-compulsive viewers. Though these viewers are still not considered addicts, they usually view porn alone—often to boost self-esteem—and can have negative mental and physical consequences.
The last category is classified as compulsive viewers and encompasses around 12% of all porn viewers. Those who are compulsive viewers have disruptions to their normal lives, give up other activities to watch porn, and are at a high risk for addiction.
Porn Addiction Signs
Not sure which category you or your loved one falls into? Even if you are not a compulsive viewer and feel that porn is negatively affecting your life, you may still want to get help. However, if you—or someone close to you—is displaying any of the following porn addiction signs, you need to consider addiction treatment;
- An inability to resist the urge to watch porn on a regular basis.
- Spending hours on porn sites and neglecting essential duties such as eating, sleeping, or taking care of children.
- Regularly missing work to watch porn.
- Not wanting to or unable to have sex unless porn is involved.
- The time porn is watched grows on a regular basis.
- Having feelings of guilt or shame after watching porn.
- Forcing partners to watch porn with them even if the partner is resistant.
- Experiencing cravings to watch porn.
- Maintaining secrecy about porn watching—especially from a partner.
- Becoming aggressive, defensive, or angry when being confronted about porn viewing habits.
Getting Help for Porn Addiction
If you or someone you love is displaying porn addiction signs, it’s time to get help. You may be able to reduce your habit by installing anti-porn software, taking up hobbies or interests that distract you from porn, or identifying triggers and avoiding them. However, many who are addicted are not able to heal on their own.
Working with a counselor or therapist who specializes in porn addiction is the best way to get on the road to recovery. A counselor can help you identify underlying reasons why you are susceptible to porn addiction as well as offer therapy, medications, or support groups to aid your recovery. Don’t let porn ruin your life and relationships. Reach out for help today to start your healing journey.
