Understanding Porn Addiction And Its Side Effects

Pornography is often used as adult entertainment. Although some individuals may seem able to control their usage, others have a hard time enjoying porn in moderation. Porn dependency may occur when someone starts to crave pornography often. They may sense that they are required to watch it to feel satisfied and may watch it illegally or inopportunely. They might find it distressing and want to stop but struggle to do so. 

Side effects of porn dependency

There are several effects that porn dependency or addiction may cause for those experiencing it. 

Watching porn at work

Various studies have been conducted on porn addiction. Research has shown that it can become a severe problem. For some people, a porn addiction might cause them to feel a strong urge to watch porn even when it’s an inappropriate time to do so. For instance, people may be caught watching porn at work and lose their jobs or seniority. 

Procrastination

Porn addiction may cause procrastination to a degree. For instance, an individual might want to complete an assignment for college or finish a work task. The deadline for completion could be looming, but they may choose to focus on porn instead of their responsibilities, often resulting in consequences. The dependency on pornography may cause academic or professional performance to suffer. 

Social problems

Social problems might arise from compulsively watching pornography as well. For example, people addicted to pornography may decide to stay at home and watch porn instead of spending time with their friends or family. They might not realize how it impacts relationships until conflict ensues. 

Pornography may cause social ineptness as well. Porn often paints an unrealistic picture of sex and relationships, which can objectify specific individuals. Those who compulsively utilize pornography may treat certain individuals with disrespect due to unhealthy gender stereotypes in the media they consume. 

Compulsive masturbation

Studies have shown that porn binges are related to compulsive sexual behaviors, such as compulsive masturbation. Individuals may also seek out sex in unsafe ways or masturbate in public. Others may masturbate in unhealthy situations or non-consensually in front of another person. These behaviors can have legal consequences. Those who chronically masturbate might lose sleep due to feeling the urge to masturbate. 

Masturbation can be a healthy activity. However, compulsive masturbation may cause harm, depending on the circumstances. Not everyone with a porn addiction struggles with compulsive masturbation, but they may often be linked. In some cases, masturbating could make it difficult to have sex with a partner. 

Relationship problems

Porn dependency may cause relationship conflicts, including but not limited to the following:

• Spousal/partner jealousy
• Gender stereotypes against a partner
• Partaking in harmful or unrealistic actions in the bedroom based on porn
• Feeling disconnected from a partner
• Feeling unattracted to your partner’s body
• Desiring more each time you have sex instead of enjoying the moment 
• Feeling the need to watch pornography during sex to have an orgasm

Some individuals may feel dependent on internet pornography to such a degree that they may start to ignore their significant other in favor of watching porn. The porn might become more attractive to them than the prospect of having a romantic encounter with someone they love, which could be distressing to both parties. 

The significant others of people experiencing dependency may also feel disregarded, asking, "why does my partner watch porn?" They might believe they must compare with a specific porn star or change their behaviors to make you interested. They may feel insecure or undesirable in the bedroom, which could cause conflicts. 

Some celebrities who have dealt with porn addiction have spoken out about how it has negatively impacted their relationships. Actor Terry Crews has experienced pornography dependency in the past and stated that it “screwed up his life.” Crews specifically recalled how it harmed his relationship with his wife and how he tried to keep his porn addiction a secret. 

Inability to enjoy normal sexual encounters

Traditional sexual activity might seem tame or undesirable to someone exposed to pornography. Porn videos may cater to various fetishes and interests. Porn actors and actresses are consenting professionals who perform various sex acts that the average person may not try during their lifetime. They may also have surgical procedures on their body or use props during sex. 

Some of the situations that you encounter in a porn movie, such as sex with multiple partners, might not be something your partners are interested in in your relationships. Additionally, romantic partners might not be interested in a particular fetish or kink showcased in porn. 

Outside of this, certain behaviors, motions, or acts in pornography may be acted out to appease a demographic but could be painful, unpleasant, or abusive in stable relationships. For example, slapping your partner without consent, partaking in rough intercourse, or using the wrong hand movements on a partner could cause physical and emotional harm.

It can be normal to want to experiment sexually and seek out new fetishes. However, porn could paint an unrealistic picture of how to do so. Often, real-life sex is based on consent, communication, and the desire of both partners. It may be less focused on physical satisfaction, as porn often depicts. In real life, sex may not be perfect or focused on the fantasy of one individual. 

Financial hardships

Financial hardships could be a side effect of pornography addiction. Some people may spend vast sums of money on pornography or interacting with sex workers online. Although there may be free pornographic sites, many cost money or allow you to pay a subscription fee to subscribe to a content creator.  

With a pornography addiction, the need to watch porn could be linked to compulsive spending. Individuals may believe that paying for porn allows them to watch better, more exclusive, or more personalized material. Workers may advertise certain services to those who spend the most, which could be tempting for those with compulsive habits.  

Treatment options for porn addiction 

Porn dependency may feel overwhelming. You might notice that your desire to watch porn overwhelms and controls your life. You might also experience mental health symptoms or conditions like depression or anxiety.

If you recognize the signs of porn addiction in yourself, seeking treatment may benefit you. Counseling is often a practical choice in treating any dependency. You can speak to a therapist about your desires and gain methods for combatting them. 

There are multiple options for therapy available to you as well. Many choose to seek local therapists to talk to in person. Others may prefer to try out online therapy options that offer convenience and affordability, particularly if there are financial issues related to pornography dependency. Online therapy can be ideal for those who want to get support for porn addiction as discreetly as possible. Know that help is available from the comfort of your home.

Research has revealed that internet-based counseling can be as effective as in-person therapy. A recent study showed that dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) delivered online was just as effective as traditional therapy in treating certain types of addiction. If you’re interested in trying internet-based counseling, consider reaching out for support from a counselor on a platform such as BetterHelp for individuals or Regain for couples.