Porn addiction is a behavioral addiction. Like other process addictions, pornography addiction is categorized by the compulsion to view pornographic content regardless of associated consequences. There is controversy over the validity of porn as a recognized addiction, which is why it is not found within the DSM-5.
However, many people struggling with compulsions to engage with pornography seek treatment from rehabilitation centers and compare their experience to that of other addicts. Some experts note similarities between porn addiction and substance use disorder, claiming that the brain functions in a similar way which habituates the behavior. Regardless of its official diagnosis or lack thereof, it is evident that pornography addiction is a growing concern.
Watching porn for sexual pleasure is healthy so long as it’s not excessive. Excessive porn consumption is an amount that verges on being problematic or addictive. Read on to learn more about porn addiction signs and how to determine if your porn consumption is problematic or veering toward addiction.
You have difficulty controlling your porn consumption.
Anyone can develop an addiction to pornographic content, but those most susceptible to developing addiction have trouble with self-regulation, including self-control. Porn viewers that can watch content in moderation without distress are considered healthy viewers. One of the primary porn addiction signs is finding it difficult to limit the amount of porn you view.
Here are some porn addiction signs to look for:
- You neglect your responsibilities to watch pornography.
- You give up hobbies to watch porn.
- You neglect basic hygiene to view pornographic content.
- You do not leave the house often and spend most of your time watching porn.
- Your porn consumption is disrupting the health of your relationship.
- You watch porn to enhance your self-esteem rather than for sexual pleasure.
- You watch porn at work and may use company devices to do so.
You show early porn addiction signs that indicate a problem is starting.
Indications that porn addiction is starting may include the following personal behaviors:
- watching more porn than before
- inability to resist watching porn
- feeling sexually unfulfilled without watching porn before sex
- feeling a drug-like urge to watch porn
- feeling guilty after viewing porn
Some indications that porn addiction is likely present are:
- watching increasingly explicit content for better satisfaction
- keeping your porn watching a secret from your partner
- feeling unsatisfied in your sex life
- watching porn for hours at a time
You’re a non-compulsive porn viewer motivated by self-efficacy.
You may have a problem with porn if you are a non-compulsive viewer who watches to boost self-esteem. Individuals who fall into this category are typically single and watch for an average of 17 minutes each week. Compulsive porn addicts, which make up about 11.8% of this group, are mainly men.
Overcome porn addiction for good.
Porn addiction raises serious consequences, including losing one’s job, relationship problems, lowered sex drive, and poor quality of life. If you relate to the above porn addiction signs, reach out to an addiction treatment center to overcome porn addiction for good.