Pornography Addiction

When viewing becomes a compulsion

Defining Porn Addiction

Pornography addiction is the compulsive, repeated use of pornography that leads to negative consequences in someone’s relationships and personal well-being. While pornography is nothing new, access to it has changed drastically in recent decades. Today, a person can download all the pornography they want in the privacy of their own homes, often for free, through the internet. It’s not surprising that this ready availability has led to a rise in pornography addiction.

A commonly misunderstood disorder

Someone can spend hours engaged in viewing various forms of pornography and feel as if they don’t have an issue because pornography addiction doesn’t always have obvious consequences. Eventually, though, the time spent takes its toll.

Common consequences of porn addiction:

  • Work doesn’t get done
  • Family obligations are not met, and excuses are made
  • Time watching pornography interferes with eating, sleeping, or working
  • Time slips away faster than intended until life has passed you by

Stages of Pornography Addiction

In order to avoid falling into the trap, it’s important to be aware of the stages of pornography addiction:

Early Exposure

Men who started watching porn from a very young age are more likely to develop a dependence on it.

Addiction

Watching porn becomes a routine, and it feels impossible to quit.

Escalation

The need for more and more graphic porn becomes an issue; porn that would have originally been disgusting becomes exciting.

Desensitization

Now, even the most graphic, degrading porn is no longer exciting. There is a desperation to feel something, but the addicted person becomes numb.

Acting Out Sexually

Many men make this dangerous leap, moving from viewing porn to acting out sexually in the real world.

Our Approach to Treating Porn Addiction

Addiction takes root when curiosity about porn turns into a physical dependence on this type of sexual arousal. In pornography addiction, the “substance” being abused is explicit sexual material and to satisfy the addiction, the addict depends on pornographic outlets like the internet and DVDs. This sexual disorder functions like drug addiction in the sense that there’s now a psychological craving for pornographic materials. At Gentle Path, we understand the pornography addiction on a psychological level and can help you overcome your addiction and take steps toward experiencing healthier activities and relationships.

How Porn Can Ruin Your Relationships (and What to Do About It)? - Gentle Path at The Meadows

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Change Your Story

Gentle Path is a safe, nurturing community composed of peers where your journey of recovery will include not just dealing with outward behaviors but examining the underlying causes. The goal is to gain the courage to face difficult issues (including grief and loss), heal from emotional trauma, and become accountable for your feelings, behaviors, and recovery.

Taking that first step is hard, but there’s a new life of health and hope just waiting for you. The next chapter of your life can begin now, but only you can change your story.

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