25 Jan How Shaming Porn Addiction Can Prevent Addicts from Seeking Help
Pornography addiction can be likened to a marijuana addiction; seemingly harmless when compared with more serious behaviors such as sex addiction and shooting up heroin, yet equally as destructive when left untreated.
Addiction can be loosely defined as a repetitive behavior that results in a decline of a person’s mental health, negatively impacts on a person’s work, family and social life and usually results in undesirable emotional side effects such as loneliness, despair, guilt, shame and low self-esteem. Whilst there has been some controversy in the medical industry about whether or not porn addiction is a ‘real addiction’, we strongly conclude that, based on the definition of addiction, it most certainly is.
In order for addicts to seek the help and treatment they need to recover from their porn addiction, they must first recognise within themselves that they are in fact an addict. And because viewing pornography is seen as something so normal, that pretty much everyone does, it can take a lot longer for a porn addict to see their addiction for what it really is, compared with other addictions.
This is only compounded by the fact that some healthcare providers still fail to recognise it as a genuine, treatable condition, which compounds the sense of shame the addict no doubt already feels.
Additionally, an addict must feel comfortable enough to come forward and receive help. The process of doing so often involves a level of exposure and vulnerability to friends, family members and spouses. The addict must feel strongly supported by the people around them, rather than shamed if they are to completely recover.
Sex Addiction Australia are the experts in treating all kinds of sexual addictions, including porn addiction. If you or your loved one is suffering from porn addiction, contact our highly trained sex therapists and get help for your porn addiction today.