Whether or not behavioral addictions, such as porn addiction, are actual addictions is highly debated in the psychiatric and treatment communities. While some of these addictions, like gambling addiction, are much more accepted than others, like sex addiction, there is still a great deal of controversy from medical professionals on where addictions end and compulsions begin. Regardless, there are people suffering. So, whether it is an addiction or compulsion, people should still need help. One of the most reported addictions is porn addiction. That is, people who feel a compulsion to watch porn and cannot stop. Like any addiction, though, there are signs that someone may be having a problem. If you are wondering whether excessive pornography use has reached an addiction level, it is important to watch out for the top 10 signs of porn addiction.
1. You Can’t Stop
You are unable to stop using or viewing pornography, despite trying to
do so. If your partner can’t stop, you may notice that they are spending
more and more time on the internet despite your attempts to communicate
with them.
2. You Want More
People addicted to porn report that they do experience cravings to view
more. Similar to how someone can be addicted to heroin, people who
suffer from porn addiction will feel cravings if they have gone without
it for any amount of time. If your partner is craving porn, you may
notice them sneaking away from you to another room. It’s possible that
they’ll make an excuse or get defensive when you question them about it.
3. You’ve Lost Time
People suffering from porn addiction can lose large periods of time to
viewing porn, wasting most of the day without accomplishing anything.
You could notice that someone addicted to porn is lethargic and not
accomplishing much as of late. They might seem like they don’t care or
are very uninterested in anything else.
4. You’ve Lost Interest in Sex
When someone becomes addicted to porn, they actually lose interest in
real sex. Not only that, but they actually find their partner less
attractive when compared to the people seen in porn. People who suffer
from porn addiction may lose interest in the advances of their partner.
This makes them seem distant or even uninterested when you try to engage
with them sexually. They may require more stimulation than they needed
before to become aroused.
5. You’re More Demanding
People suffering from porn addiction develop unrealistic ideas about
sex. This can make them more demanding in the bedroom, easily
frustrated, and alienate their partner. When this happens, their partner
can feel physically and emotionally uncomfortable.
6. You’ve Lost Attraction
Porn addiction can give the afflicted unrealistic expectations of beauty
for their partner. This can make their partner feel hurt about their
appearance and create a greater problem for their self-esteem.
7. You’re in Physical Pain
Someone suffering from porn addiction can actually begin to experience
physical pain. Be it from the physical movements involved when viewing
porn, or the strain that comes with excessive computer use, people
addicted to porn frequently complain about wrist, back, and neck pain
and headaches.
8. You’re Losing Money
Some people who suffer from porn addiction start spending money for what
they consider higher-quality content. When this happens, they can
quickly begin falling into some kind of financial hardship. This appears
as them complaining more about money problems, but unwilling to
disclose the exact nature of these problems.
9. You’re Distracted
When people are addicted to porn, they can become distracted from
different aspects of life. Their mind drifts to porn when they are with
friends, family, or at work. It could actually impact their work and
relationships. This makes them distant from their partner and their
attempts to connect with them.
10. You’re Angry
Like any addiction, someone suffering from porn addiction will become
easily irritable if they go without porn. They may have less patience in
certain acts if they see them as delaying watching porn. This can also
make it easier to lash out at their partner. They’ll be more irritable,
agitated, or even erratic. Their partner could notice major changes in
their personality and don’t feel that they are the same person they
loved before.
Talking About Porn Addiction
Like any addiction, the person suffering may feel ashamed about what
they are doing. It is important to be able to speak openly if you
believe that you, or your partner, are exhibiting any of the top 10
signs of porn addiction. Only by opening up to the idea of help can
anyone get better.
