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Watching sexual videos, and photos, or spending time on any sexual material is not an addiction. But when one develops a continuous habit of spending time on it, even after knowing that it has negative effects on their lives or relationship, it can be considered porn addiction.
Side effects of porn addiction are a prominent problem among teenagers and youngsters, yet are not discussed very often.
Most of us understand what this term means and why it is hazardous. In contrast, many others don’t have a lot of knowledge; all of us must have a basic idea about it. That is, any material related to sexual behaviours and action is porn.
It can be photos, videos, or written materials. While videos are the most popular form of porn, there are many more ways to make such kinds of sexual material available.
Any type of addiction is harmful to us. Most addictions come with some side effects; similarly, porn addiction has some dangerous side effects. So, this article will guide you through the side effects of porn addiction.
1. What Do We Mean By The Side Effects Of Porn Addiction?
Before knowing the side effects, we must understand what the term ‘porn addiction’ means. Addiction is the continuous or habitual practice of doing the same thing, even after knowing that it has negative effects.
When we talk about the side effects of porn addiction, we are generally talking about the negative effects of the habit of watching sexual material in any form.
For a better understanding, we can take the example of drug addiction. In drug addiction, a person becomes habitual in consuming drugs, even after knowing that they are harmful to him, but he also wants to take those drugs, even at any cost.
In this era of the internet, one can easily access materials showing and promoting sexual activity because of a one-click internet search. And that is the main reason why now even teenagers and youngsters are becoming pornography addicts.
2. 5 Side Effects Of Porn Addiction
2.2.1. Here Are 5 Side Effects of Porn Addiction:
- Increasing screen time spent on internet pornography can be seen in porn addicts.
- Spending more time on porn watching and that too at an increasing rate.
- One of the common side effects is that he or she wants to quit the practice of watching porn, but he or she is unable to do that.
- Continuing the practice even after knowing that it would affect the work-life or relationship of a couple.
- Feeling shameful in accepting the same condition is a prominent symptom.
These are some of the most common side effects from which anyone can suffer, despite gender and age. The stress caused due to a lot of work might cause addiction to such hazardous things.
3. Treatment
After knowing that one has side effects from porn addiction, it is important to treat the person.
To treat porn addiction, it is important first to know the reason for porn addiction. Only when we know about the reason one has porn addiction could we be able to treat him?
The first reason behind porn addiction can be mental trauma or depression from one’s suffering. If a person is lonely, stressed, or mentally sick, then there are chances that he might develop a porn addiction to deal with his stress and loneliness.
Also, as some researchers suggest, in some cases, sex addicts are persons who have faced sexual abuse or were a victim of physical abuse or torture. Although there can be many more reasons for developing porn addiction and having side effects, these two are the most common.
And when one goes for medical advice for the side effects, healthcare professionals try to find out the reason behind porn addiction and watching sexually explicit content.
In addiction treatment, when they find the main cause of the addiction, they form some support group.
The main reason for porn addiction is the loneliness and depression, so when a person becomes a part of a support group that has members similar to him, he tries to share his feeling with them, tries to express his feelings, insecurities, and at the same time also get their moral support.
Although there are many more treatment options for the person suffering from porn addiction, just like the treatment of substance addiction, the foremost is the treatment through counselling and support groups.
But if a person’s condition is severe, then there are treatment options like putting him on a medication that can also be used. Counselling is also recommended for behavioural addiction.
4. Prevention
As we all know prevention is better than cure, so instead of waiting for the conditions to become worse, it is advisable to take the necessary steps to prevent the side effects.
One initial step can be taken by parents, as most individuals develop the habit of watching in their teenage or young age. So if parents keep an eye on their children’s activities and their friend circle, it would be helpful for them to understand whether their child has a porn addiction.
Also, if any mature or adult person is watching, he should try to control himself to view porn, whatever the reason could be. As when one watches porn, it is quite natural that he desires to watch more porn, which will lead to porn addiction.
5. Summary
These side effects are harmful to the person suffering from them and their respective sexual partners. Addiction to anything is harmful not only to the person having it but also to his family, friends, and society.
And when it comes to porn addiction then, it is such an addiction that has very negative effects on the work and relationship of the person, and shameful for him to share this problem with anyone.
So if one wants to prevent himself from this addiction, one has to prevent himself from watching porn by diverting his mind to some useful things to prevent himself from developing the side effects.
6. FAQs
Q1. What Is Considered Porn Addiction?
Warning signs and symptoms of a porn addiction may include the inability to stop using pornography or engaging in pornography-related behaviours despite repeated attempts. About 9% of viewers reported unsuccessful attempts to quit. Experiencing porn cravings.
Q2. How Common Is Porn Addiction?
About 9% reported addiction to online porn, and 20% of users reported their sexual desire was fueled by excessive use. Finally, 32% believe this behaviour is addictive or problematic, and obsessive interest in this site contributes to 56% of divorce problems.
Q3. How Do You Know If You Have a Porn Addiction?
To have a porn addiction, three criteria must be met: compulsion, inability to control your compulsion, and knowing that it can harm you or your relationship with others, said psychiatrist Michael McGee of Atascadero State Hospital in San. Luis Obispo, California
Last Updated on by Arnab