Porn addiction is often seen as a taboo subject. It's off-limits to discuss and, therefore, is an issue that often goes unnoticed. However, it is an issue that many people worldwide secretly deal with. While men are most often seen as the ones who become addicted to it, women are just as susceptible to developing a porn addiction — which is talked about even less.
When you or someone you know is dealing with a porn addiction, it can be a very frustrating experience to go through. It's sensitive and is often met with feelings of shame, guilt, and denial. Even though it's challenging to deal with, it can be overcome.
Porn Is Easily Accessible
First, let's talk about some basics. Pornography is more easily accessed than ever before. It is estimated that there are over 42 billion visits to the three most popular porn websites on the internet yearly. It's easily accessed with a few taps of a finger. Unfortunately, this also means that pre-teens and teenagers, perhaps even younger, are exposed to porn at an earlier age.
Any age or gender can become addicted to watching porn, but that doesn't mean everyone who watches it is. However, the earlier that someone becomes exposed to it, the greater the chances there are of it becoming an addiction.
Signs of Porn Addiction
Porn addiction goes beyond the actual consumption of it. Some classic signs that someone may be dealing with a porn addiction are:
Spending more time watching porn.
Feeling the need to watch it every single day.
Responsibilities may get neglected.
Feelings of guilt and shame about watching it.
Being unable to stop it, even if you want to.
Difficulty becoming aroused with romantic partners.
Hiding the porn consumption from your partner.
Can You Stop Porn Addiction?
Absolutely. Stopping any addiction, while difficult, is possible. Overcoming any addiction takes time, commitment, and patience.
1. Awareness
One of the beginning steps to stopping any addiction is to admit that there is a problem. Recognizing that you have an addiction, naturally, may evoke feelings of shame and guilt. However, it is necessary to admit that there is a problem. You can't overcome if you deny that there is an issue, after all.
Recognize why you want to give up porn and be honest with yourself about how it impacts your life or your partner.
2. Remove Access
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's a vital step to overcoming a porn addiction. If you can access any hard copies, whether a magazine, DVD, or anything else, throw them out. Don't think about the money you spend on it, as that can deter someone from doing this step.
For porn that you access via the internet:
Delete any porn websites you have bookmarked. Even go so far as to clear your browser history.
Delete any downloaded material you have.
Look into programs you can install to filter out porn-related terms on internet browsers.
3. Don't Expect Immediate Results
It takes time to break any habit you don't want anymore. Addiction is no different. Addiction is a deep-rooted seed that has likely grown into something you can no longer control. Be patient with yourself and understand that there will be feelings of shame and guilt. The urge to consume porn won't just magically go away.
4. Start Forming New Habits
Quitting a maladaptive habit is hard. So, learning to replace it with a healthier habit can help ease some of the tension you will likely feel.
When you find that you are getting the urge to consume porn, distract yourself by going for a walk or exercising. Do something creative or start a hobby.
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Overcoming any addiction is hard. If you are struggling with a porn addiction, one of the most effective ways to heal from it is to try therapy. Reach out to learn how I can help you on this journey through couples counseling or counseling for women.
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