Pornography consumption and addiction have become an increasingly reported mental health issue across a variety of populations. The rise in access to digital technology and the ability to access pornographic content on nearly any device at any time has led to an addiction problem that many believe has already tipped over into a mental health crisis.
For individuals who may be wondering if they have become addicted to pornography, here is a list of symptoms that may point to a problem that requires swift and immediate action:
- A consistent and growing amount of time spent viewing and consuming pornographic content in print or online
- The compulsion to access pornography to achieve a desired “high”
- An overwhelming sense of guilt once having accessed pornography
- Loss in interest to take part in other activities other than endlessly scrolling pornographic websites and content
- A consistent desire to act out sexual activity with a partner that you have viewed in porn
- The need to access and consume pornography before engaging in sexual intercourse
- Finding that pornography is impacting your daily life to the point of disruption of daily activities
The addictive qualities of pornography are similar to those of substance abuse. Increased engagement with pornographic material can even rewire your brain to require a greater amount of exposure to achieve the desired outcome. If you find yourself connecting with the above statements, you may be experiencing an addiction to pornography that requires action.
What Can I Do If I Am Addicted To Porn?
If you are beginning to wonder if you may be addicted to pornography, the first step toward freedom is to speak with a licensed, experienced mental health professional. With a therapist or counselor, you can take the first steps necessary to ensure that you begin an effective treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Therapy & Counseling
A licensed therapist or counselor can help you walk through the various elements of addiction and understand how your pornography consumption may be leading to negative actions and reactions. Through a personalized therapy session with an experienced and licensed counselor or therapist, you can begin to take active steps toward a treatment plan that will ensure that you break free of the addictive qualities of pornography – and remain free for good.
Porn Addiction Support Groups
Another helpful treatment option can be found in support groups. Similar to groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, community-based support groups bring together individuals struggling with addiction and a trained leader to bring accountability and support to one another.
Your primary care physician or mental health professional can give you guidance as to how to connect with an addiction-based support group – and perhaps find a pornography addiction support group in your area.
Medication
For some individuals who experience severe addiction, medicinal treatment can help provide relief and healing. Some people who report addiction to pornography have also noted that they have experienced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder that require clinical treatment. Speak with your mental health professional and primary care physician before attempting any medication regimen for addiction.
Novus Mindful Life: Hope For Overcoming Porn Addiction
If you are ready to break free of the bonds of pornographic addiction or know someone who needs to meet with a trained counselor, the team of therapists at Novus Mindful Life are ready to meet with you today.
Novus Mindful Life’s staff is experienced with helping individuals who are struggling with pornographic and sexual addiction and have the skills and resources to help you find freedom from your struggle. Through personalized treatment plans that are tailored to the unique needs of each patient, Novus Mindful Life works to help individuals learn more about pornography addiction, as well as the treatment options available.
If you or someone you love is suffering from pornography addiction, there is hope for healing for those willing to step forward. Contact the Novus Mindful Life team today to discover how personal counseling tailored to your unique needs can help finally break the chains of pornography and sex addiction.