Pornograhy Addiction

Addiction can take many forms including pornograhy. Pornography is very prevalent in our society, and porn addiction affects about 5-8% of adults. People addicted to porn spend an estimated 11 to 12 hours per week viewing porn. Unfortunately, pornography does not only affect adults. The increasing exposure of children to internet porn also likely contributes to the rise in porn addiction. Age restrictions on porn sites often consist of no more than a button to click claiming to be 18 or older. The median age of first exposure to pornography is now only 14 years old. As many as 93.2% of boys and 62.1% of girls first see porn before they turn 18. Studies have shown that early exposure to porn is correlated with increased porn use and addiction later in life.

So what exactly is porn addiction?

Porn addiction occurs when an individual can’t stop looking at porn, even if they want to. And the obsession gets to the point that it interferes with work, relationships, and other parts of daily life.

Some indications that pornography may be causing a problem include:

• A person’s sex life becomes less satisfying.

• Pornography causes relationship issues or makes a person feel less satisfied with their partner.

• A person engages in risky behavior to view pornography, such as doing so at work.

• They ignore other responsibilities to view pornography.

• They view progressively more extreme pornography to get the same release that less extreme porn once offered.

• They feel frustrated or ashamed after viewing porn but continue to do so.

• They want to stop using pornography but feel unable to do so.

• They spend large sums of money on pornography, possibly at the expense of daily or family necessities.

• They use pornography to cope with sadness, anxiety, insomnia, or other mental health issues.

Some treatment strategies may involve:

• Relationship counseling: Couples’ counseling can help partners talk about their values, determine whether porn has a place in their relationship, and cultivate deeper trust.

• Medication: Sometimes a person uses pornography to cope with another condition. Medication may help treat the underlying issue.

• Lifestyle changes: Some people use pornography out of boredom or exhaustion. A more healthful lifestyle may involve spending fewer hours on the computer.

If you or someone else is struggling, please contact the following free helplines:

SADAG Mental Health Line

011 234 4837

Suicide Crisis Line

0800 567 567

WARNING

You may think that you recognize certain symptoms and/or disorders in yourself and others while reading this information! Please do not diagnose yourself because you will probably cause yourself unnecessary stress and distress. You are also, by law not allowed to make a diagnosis, as only registered Psychologists and Psychiatrists may do so.