What Is Porn Addiction? (And How Serious Is It?)
Pornography addiction is still considered to be controversial. It is very important to note, however: that now, well into the 21st century: we cannot deny that our use of the internet has been affecting people’s sexual lives for some time now. Our increasingly digitalized lives have greatly affected much of our sexual behaviors which have led to the recent recognition of porn addiction and other sexual behaviors associated with porn addiction. Although porn use is very common on the internet; there are signs of addiction that become apparent when someone may be addicted to porn. Some of the most common signs of porn addiction include:
- Failure to restrict personal porn use
- Loss of interest in non-porn activities
- Feeling frustrated or ashamed after porn use
- Sudden and unexplained emotional distress
- Sexual dysfunction with your sexual partner
Certain signs of porn addiction can closely resemble certain signs of substance abuse including:
- Sudden and unexplained changes in a person’s mood
- Difficulty with attention and planning
- Ignoring and neglecting responsibilities
- Spending excessive sums of money and time on pornography
- Anxiety, insomnia, and other mental health issues
Pornography use affects the pleasure and focus centers of the brain; these are the same areas of the brain that are affected by drug and alcohol use. Pornography use involves stimulation of these areas of the brain along with a significant release of dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure: which is naturally released when we encounter certain stimuli. When excessive amounts of dopamine are released over time; our brains require more and more stimuli as our brains develop more of a tolerance to dopamine. This is where pornography use can develop into pornography addiction. For this reason, there is a direct link between pornography addiction and developing certain sexual behavior disorders.
Porn Addiction And Other Sexual Behavior Disorders
With digital pornography becoming more available than ever; it’s no surprise that in recent years many people have been experiencing pornography negatively impacting their lives. Specifically: their sex lives. In the year 2019, the world’s largest porn website reported at least 42,000,000,000 visitors; this accounts for around 115,000,000 individual visits per day! Certain online data has shown that 1 in 5 searches on smartphones is pornography-related. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is a link between pornography and compulsive sexual behaviour disorder.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines compulsive sexual behavior disorder as a “failure to control intense and repetitive sexual impulses or urges.” A person with compulsive sexual behavior disorder’s symptoms may “include repetitive sexual activities becoming a central focus on the person’s life,” similar to addiction, this could lead to a person neglecting their health and personal care: Ignoring the rest of their responsibilities. Porn addiction is a type of compulsive sexual behavior disorder. Porn addiction is also considered a type of technology addiction. Porn addiction is certainly more serious than other technology addictions because it involves the interruption of our basic human impulses.
Technology addiction is one newest emerging addictions being recognized by the psychiatric community. There are a growing number of recovery centers/rehab centers that are starting to treat various technology addictions especially: online pornography addiction. When it comes to treating pornography addiction in particular, Omega Recovery in Austin is the leading recovery center in the state of Texas that treats technology addiction and online pornography addiction alike. Omega Recovery’s technology addiction treatment program in Austin, Texas has been certified by the NIDHW (National Institute for Digital Health and Wellness). Omega Recovery’s other treatment options for technology addiction include:
- Screen Addiction Treatment
- Gambling / Online Gambling Treatment
- Social Media Addiction Treatment
- Phone Addiction Treatment
If you were considering options for online porn addiction treatment in Texas; Omega Recovery has the leading online porn addiction treatment program in Texas. You don’t have to go through this alone. If you or someone you know might be struggling with online porn addiction, there are options available for online porn addiction treatment. Porn addiction is a type of compulsive sexual behavior disorder that can negatively impact a person’s mental health and relationships. Ongoing online pornography addiction can lead to sexual performance problems, decreased sexual drive, decreased sexual pleasure/sensitivity, and even depression. This all can lead to intimacy problems that can ruin relationships and even marriages. In the United States, pornography addiction and pornography use are is number one silent killer of marriages and long-term relationships.
The good news is that there is help. Online Pornography addiction treatment is effective and shameless and will get you, your life, your relationships, or your future relationships back on track.
Finding Online Porn Addiction Treatment Options In Texas
When it comes to online porn addiction treatment in Texas you do have a few options. However, online porn addiction treatment in Texas is not very common. Nevertheless, Omega Recovery has a very well-established online porn addiction treatment program located in the beautiful and scenic city of Austin! Omega Recovery has experience in treating everything from substance abuse, alcohol abuse, technology addiction, and online pornography addiction. Dr. Kardaras and his team of professionals are all certified by the NIDHW and specialize in helping you or a loved one regain their life back from online pornography addiction.
Omega Recovery offers online porn addiction treatment in Texas that is based on the latest research and understanding when it comes to neuroscience and recovery. If you believe you or a loved one may be addicted to online pornography we have a discrete online pornography addiction quiz you can take safely, securely, and privately. After taking the online pornography addiction quiz you are also more than welcome to give us a call or email us about any treatment questions you may have.
We have a team of specialists who work around the clock and are here to answer any questions you may have and help you get your life back. If you believe you may be suffering from porn addiction and live in Texas, call us today to speak with one of our specialists
