9 Facts You Might not Know About Porn Addiction

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Last Updated on May 3, 2023 by Randy Withers, LCMHC

The topic of porn addiction has generated plenty of buzz over the years, with many people debating its mere existence, let alone the impact it’s had on society. Regardless of the controversies surrounding the issue, it’s crucial to acknowledge that problematic porn use can lead to negative consequences for many. 

In this post, we’ll reveal 9 facts about porn addiction you might not know, shedding light on some lesser-known aspects of this complex issue. We’ll also talk about what you can do about it.

But first, let’s define some terms. Namely, what is porn addiction?

What Is Porn Addiction?

Porn addiction, also known as compulsive sexual behavior disorder or hypersexual disorder, is a behavioral addiction characterized by a persistent pattern of compulsive sexual behavior and an inability to control or resist the behavior, despite the negative consequences.

Porn addicts may experience a range of physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms, including:

• Preoccupation with pornography, spending excessive time seeking out, watching, or thinking about pornographic material
• Difficulty controlling the amount or frequency of pornography use, and continued use despite negative consequences such as problems in relationships, work, or social life
• Tolerance, meaning that a person needs to watch more or more extreme pornography to achieve the same level of satisfaction as before
• Withdrawal symptoms when unable to watch pornography, including irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or depression
• Neglecting responsibilities, such as work or school, in favor of watching pornography
• Avoiding social or personal activities to watch pornography
• Inability to stop or cut down on pornography use, despite wanting to
• Continued use of pornography despite knowing it is causing problems

Not everyone who watches pornography develops an addiction. Still, it’s a good area to familiarize yourself with the following facts about porn addiction, as the difference between use and addiction is often difficult to define.

9 Facts About Porn Addiction You Probably Didn’t Know

1. Porn addiction isn’t officially recognized as a mental health disorder

Surprising, right? Although porn addiction has been a topic of debate and concern for years, it is not officially recognized as a mental health disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The DSM-5 is the handbook used by healthcare professionals in the United States and many other countries as the authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders.

That being said, problematic porn use can still lead to significant distress and have negative impacts on an individual’s life. So even though it’s not an “official” disorder, it’s still a real issue for many people.

2. Not everyone who watches porn becomes addicted

Let’s clear the air: watching porn does not automatically make someone an addict. In fact, this study found that about 10.3% of men and 3.5% of women reported compulsive sexual behaviors, including problematic porn use.

While these numbers may seem high, it’s important to remember that not everyone who consumes pornography does so in a harmful way. Like most things, moderation is key, and it’s important for individuals to be aware of their own habits and behaviors when it comes to viewing porn.

3. Porn addiction can affect both men and women

While porn addiction is often seen as a “male issue,” it’s essential to recognize that women can also struggle with it. A 2019 study published in the journal “Sexual Medicine” found that women with problematic porn use reported similar symptoms to men, such as loss of control, negative consequences, and continued use despite these consequences.

One of the uncomfortable facts about porn addiction is not a gender-specific problem, but rather a behavioral disorder that can affect anyone. The accessibility and anonymity of the internet have made it easier for people to indulge in pornography in private, which can lead to addiction over time.

4. There’s a relationship between porn addiction and mental Illness

Research has shown that individuals struggling with porn addiction often have co-occurring mental illness. According to a study in Frontiers in Psychology, people with problematic porn use were more likely to report symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress..

These underlying issues must also be addressed when a person seeks help for porn addiction. Untreated mental health issues can exacerbate porn addiction symptoms, leading to a vicious cycle of continued use and negative consequences.

5. Porn addiction can impact your brain

Frequent porn consumption can lead to changes in the brain’s reward system. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that individuals with compulsive sexual behavior had reduced brain volume in areas responsible for processing rewards and motivation. This change can lead to an increased need for more stimulation to achieve the same level of pleasure, which can fuel the addictive cycle.

Check out what Dr. Andrew Huberman has to say about how porn use affects the human brain:

6. Quitting porn can lead to withdrawal symptoms

Just like other forms of addiction, quitting porn can lead to withdrawal symptoms. These can include irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and cravings.

A study in the Archives of Sexual Behavior found that individuals who quit using porn experienced withdrawal symptoms similar to those reported by people trying to quit other addictive behaviors, such as substance use.

7. Treatment options are available for porn addiction

Although porn addiction isn’t officially recognized as a mental health disorder, there are still treatment options available. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and 12-step programs like Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) can help individuals manage their problematic porn use.

Recovery from any addiction is a journey that may involve setbacks along the way. Have a support system in place and celebrate small victories as you progress towards your long-term goals.

It’s also important to work with a qualified mental health professional to determine the best course of action for each individual’s unique situation.

8. Internet filters can be helpful, but are not foolproof

Some individuals battling porn addiction may benefit from using internet filters or accountability software to block access to pornographic websites. However, it’s crucial to remember that these tools are not foolproof and should be used in conjunction with therapy, support groups, and other treatment methods.

Relying solely on internet filters can lead to a false sense of security, and it’s important to address the root causes of the addiction.

Some examples of internet filters and accountability software include Norton Family, Net Nanny, and Covenant Eyes. While these tools can be helpful in preventing access to pornographic content, it’s important to remember that they are not the sole solution to overcoming porn addiction.

9. The concept of “porn-induced erectile dysfunction” (PIED) is hotly debated

Some experts and NoFap proponents argue that excessive porn consumption can lead to porn-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED), a condition where men struggle to maintain an erection during real-life sexual encounters due to desensitization from excessive porn use.

However, other experts argue there is insufficient evidence to support this claim, and that erectile dysfunction may be caused by various factors, such as stress, anxiety, or medical conditions. The debate around PIED highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the potential impact of porn consumption on sexual health.

Final Thoughts

Porn addiction can have a significant impact on mental health, relationships, and brain function. Seeking professional assistance and utilizing available resources, such as therapy, counseling, and support groups, is essential for overcoming addiction.

Let’s strive to foster a more supportive community for individuals dealing with porn addiction by promoting healthy coping mechanisms and advocating for those affected. Let’s also make sure that everyone knows the facts about porn addiction so that they can made decisions that are best for them.

What other factors about porn addiction should we have included in this article?

FAQ About Porn Addiction

References

• JAMA Network Open Study: “Prevalence and Correlates of Problematic and Addictive Sexual Behaviors in a Sample of U.S. Adults”
• Prevalence and Determinants of Problematic Online Pornography Use in a Sample of German Women
• Compulsive Internet Pornography Use and Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Sample of University Students in the United States
• Journal of Behavioral Addictions Study: “Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder in the ICD-11”
• JAMA Psychiatry Study: “Associations Between Compulsive Sexual Behaviors and Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis”
• Is Internet Pornography Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review with Clinical Reports