29 Mar Creating Awareness About Porn Addiction
What is Porn Addiction?
An addiction to porn can be classified as a person becoming dependent on pornographic material (photos, videos and other adult content), in order to seemingly fulfill their physical or emotional needs. Viewing porn becomes a compulsion that they cannot seem to stop, even if they want to.
What are the Symptoms?
Some symptoms of porn addiction include:
– A continuous increase in the amount of time spent viewing porn
– Difficulty controlling the urge to watch porn
– Continuing to view porn, regardless of negative consequences
– Watching porn has negative effects emotionally, physically, financially or socially
– Engaging in risky behaviour in order to view porn
– Anxiety, irritability, depression, mood swings and anger associated with viewing porn
The Importance of Creating Awareness about Porn Addiction
Firstly, in order for sufferers to reach out and receive the help they need for their porn addiction, they must first be aware that it’s a real, treatable condition. Many sufferers simply don’t realise they have an addiction. Secondly, like other sexual addictions, there are many stigmas and misconceptions surrounding the disorder and the term ‘disorder’ is important here because porn addiction is not just a “bad habit”, it’s a neurological disorder where the brain is not working in the way it should. The brain unknowingly rewards the addict with neurochemicals every time they view pornography which creates an addiction cycle. Any type of addictive disorder is difficult to break without help from a professional therapist.
Need Help with Porn Addiction?
If you think you may be suffering from porn addiction, the expert sex therapists at Sex Addiction Australia are here to help! We have extensive experience in treating all kinds of sexual addictions including pornography addiction.
Based in Sydney, we also offer Skype sessions to other states including Melbourne. Contact us today for more information.