What impact is technology having on the human connection? While studies are underway, the impact can most definitely be seen by easily looking online. Whether it be dating sites such as Tinder, or sometimes more provocative sites such as OnlyFans, ogling online is easily available. So then is it no surprise that porn addiction is on the rise? In a time when loneliness is at an all time high, and one-on-one people skills at an all time low, there is bound to be trouble. However, humans are made for interaction and physical touch. For people who are isolated or feel physically inept and insecure, the internet has given a sense of sexual freedom and belonging. In this article we are going to explore understanding porn addiction and finding treatment.
“Unfortunately, it seems that we, as a society, have entered into a Faustian deal. Yes, we have these amazing handheld marvels of the digital age – tablets and smartphones – miraculous glowing devices that connect people throughout the globe and can literally access the sum of all human knowledge in the palm of our hand. But what is the price of all this future tech? The psyche and soul of an entire generation. The sad truth is that for the oh-so-satisfying ease, comfort and titillation of these jewels of the modern age, we’ve unwittingly thrown an entire generation under the virtual bus.” -Dr. Kardaras
Why Porn Addiction Has Become More Prevalent in Today’s World
One of the fastest growing forms of digital addictions (or technology addiction) is porn addiction. No longer dominated by the old Playbook magazines that needed to be secretly bought and stored in covert hiding spots- modern porn is now easy to find and instantly available. Did you know that 1 in 5 internet searches on a mobile device are for pornography! Porn sites such as PornHub have hundreds of millions of users that allow a person to view graphic sexual content discreetly and on demand. All without stigma, effort, or any real human interaction. Some people today actually see having sex the old-fashioned way (with another person) requires too much time and effort. The “old-fashioned’ way also requires navigating certain social minefields that could be full of potential emotional pain. An example of this is when a person needs to overcome any social anxiety or fear of rejection to engage in a healthy sexual relationship.
But in the last 15 years, many people have found that they can explore their need for sexual gratification without the fuss and hassle of any sort of social interaction. Even more problematically, because so many young people have been raised on screens and are, in fact, digital natives, they have under-developed social skills—while having increased impulsivity and instant gratification tendencies. A very bad combination. Hence the need for breaking the cycle, understanding porn addiction and finding treatment as soon as possible.
Porn addiction is controversial; nevertheless, there is no denying that excessive pornography consumption can have a negative impact on a person’s mental health and relationships. And without doubt may require professional help and support for porn addiction treatment as soon as signs of addiction are more prevalent. Porn addiction refers to an emotional dependence on pornography that interferes with daily life, relationships, and the ability to function. A person may become dissatisfied with their own sex life or engage in risky behaviors, such as using porn at work. Compulsive viewing of pornography can lead to the cycle of Porn Addiction. Therefore, which involves a craving stage where the individual is preoccupied or anticipating the viewing of porn. This is followed by actively viewing porn and then experiencing a negative emotional state, where the individual can become irritable or hostile. This type of addiction may be quite common which is why it is so important to break the cycle. Understanding Porn Addiction and finding treatment are both ways to end this unhealthy trend and decline of a romantic humanity.
Signs of Pornography Addiction that Require Finding Treatment
In the world of behavioral addictions, porn addiction tends to be misunderstood. This not only continues to stigmatize this addiction, but also makes it difficult to spot. 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, such as sex addiction, for example, there is still a great deal of controversy from medical professionals on where addictions end and compulsions begin. Regardless, there is a need for breaking the cycle, understanding porn addiction and finding treatment as soon as possible. The following are some prominent signs that can be seen from someone potentially struggling with porn addiction:
- Using porn seems out of their control.
- Feelings of severe guilt, regret, or sadness after using porn.
- Active concealment of porn use.
- Numerous times to quit or restrict porn usage.
- Negative impacts on social life and relationships.
- Sexual dysfunction with partners in real life.
- Loss of interest in non-porn activities.
- Excessive spending on porn sites or platforms.
Observation in yourself and others is important if you wish to break the vicious cycle of Porn Addiction. Not sure if you are struggling with a porn addiction? Take the quiz here to give some insight on whether or not you should seek help and support. More often than not, most of us don’t even realize there is a real problem until it’s too late. Breaking the cycle, understanding Porn Addiction and finding treatment is imperative to your life. Relationships can be lost, and life can lose its genuine luster. If any of the signs above seem a bit familiar, take the quiz and reach out to a qualified Porn Addiction center such as Omega Recovery.
Modalities Of Treatment For Porn Addiction Recovery
Many porn addiction centers will provide commonly used modalities of treatment recognized for mental health and addictions. However some will also provide holistic forms as well, such as Omega Recovery. Addiction is deeply seeded, and treating the whole person instead of just the addiction is needed for life long lasting recovery. Breaking the cycle, understanding porn addiction and finding treatment is best when also understanding how it can be done. Ensure, whether for yourself or for someone you love, to research a Porn Addiction facility on what modalities of treatment they provide. Not one of us is exactly the same, just as the addiction and just as the best form of treatment. Below are forms of treatment used today in healing from Porn Addiction, both conventional and holistic.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Also known as CBT, this active therapeutic modality is present-oriented, problem-focused, and goal-directed. As an evidence-based treatment modality, CBT is a proven effective treatment for substance abuse disorders, behavioral addictions (porn, gambling, food, internet, sex), eating disorders, and specific mental health diagnoses. Finding the right treatment for Porn Addiction should include researching success rates of therapies such as this.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – Also known as DBT, this evidence based form of treatment teaches clients how to regulate their emotions to reduce self-destructive behaviors. DBT is primarily a skill-building approach, that focuses on the development of four key skill sets:
- Distress Tolerance – being able to successfully and effectively work with short term or long term pain.
- Emotion Regulation – aims to identify behaviors and implement coping mechanisms to help modify them.
- Mindfulness – putting aside judgment and attention to understand how others may feel during a situation.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness – ability to balance the wants and needs of a relationship while respecting boundaries and priorities.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing – Also known as EMDR, this form of treatment uses a patient’s own rapid, rhythmic eye movements as a tool for insight and recovery. These eye movements dampen the power of emotionally charged memories of past traumatic events. In other words, EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation. These experienced eye movements are then associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the traumatic memories.
Motivational Interviewing – This form of therapy is a collaborative, therapeutic conversation between licensed clinicians and clients. One that addresses the common problem of conflict for change with Porn Addiction. As defined by William Miller, the creator of Motivational Interviewing, its purpose is to strengthen the client’s own motivation for and commitment to change in a manner that is consistent with said client’s values. Therefore, rather than imposing or forcing changes, the practitioner will “meet the client where the client is” and help him/her move toward his/her goals by drawing out and building his/her readiness to change.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction – Also known as MBSR and developed by Dr. Jon Cabot-Zinn, this kind of treatment option helps to break the cycle of Porn Addiction.This form of treatment is a sequential method that teaches the individual who is struggling with racing and impulsive thoughts how to be in the “here and now”. By focusing on the breath or on an object in the room, the client slowly becomes able to collapse their awareness into the present moment. When understanding Porn Addiction and finding treatment MBSR comes up frequently.
Nature Immersion – Nature immersion uses a different approach to therapy by removing the clinical setting and focusing on experiencing change in a more natural setting. Nature immersion therapy can be even more powerful and transformative when the individual struggling with porn addiction begins to understand the deeper significance of certain experiences. Nature helps us all to connect deep within, very closely tied in an intimate nature.
Breaking The Cycle, Understanding Porn Addiction And Finding Treatment
Pornography addiction is a type of addiction that involves obsessive sexual behavior combined with the consumption of pornographic content. Again, despite the apparent detrimental effects to one’s physical, emotional, social, or economical well-being. And we also know that porn, just like sex, activates the dopamine reward center of the brain in ways very similar to drug use. So then it comes as no surprise that it can then very easily lead to habit-forming compulsion. But what happens to young people who become so compulsively driven to the dopamine stimulating allure of pornography? Several things actually. In addition to a staggeringly high percentage of young people (teens and young adults) who frequently view online pornography, you now also have a much higher number who have developed a self-destructive porn addiction. Such compulsive porn viewing adversely impacts a person’s life and their relationships. This can look like a strained marriage or relationship (as the intimacy is compromised), or adverse work or school impacts because of the amount of time devoted to porn. Hence the importance of breaking the cycle, understanding porn addiction and finding treatment as soon as possible.
At Omega Recovery we have witnessed young people who have been so over-exposed to extremely graphic sexual contents that the risk is devastating. It not only desensitizes them but numbs them to more normalized in-person sexual relationships, and can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). Oftentimes violent and misogynistic imagery becomes seared into a person’s mind as they report an inability to remove the intrusive imagery from their thoughts. This includes days, weeks or months after viewing the intense imagery. And this imagery oftentimes can and does shape a person’s views of sexual relationships in ways that are very, very toxic. Indeed, many pediatricians have discussed the prevalence of a new and growing phenomenon that they attribute to our porn saturation: adolescent erectile dysfunction. This had never been a clinical issue before the easy accessibility of online porn. Our holistic, nationally-recognized and accredited program is here to provide you with the best evidence-based care. Regardless of which stage of recovery you are in- breaking the cycle, understanding porn addiction and finding treatment is crucial. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one struggling with recovery, we can help at Omega Recovery every step of the way. Give us a call at (512) 601-5407 or visit our website at www.omegarecovery.org today to learn more.
