How to know if you are addicted to porn

While porn is a healthy part of many people’s sex lives, it can also become a debilitating addiction.

And a porn addiction is more common than you might think. Although it remains something of a taboo topic, it can be just as debilitating as other forms of addiction, unleashing a whole host of physical, psychological, and social difficulties that can impact all areas of life.

Now one of the most common types of addiction, porn addiction causes an overwhelming urge to watch porn. Classed as a behavioural addiction, porn addiction also causes a wide range of other mental effects which, once identified, should be addressed as quickly as possible.

What is porn addiction?

Porn addiction comes under Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder (CSBD), which, according to the WHO, is characterised by “a persistent pattern of failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges, resulting in repetitive sexual behaviour”.

With this in mind, if you suspect that you have a porn addiction, it’s crucial that you seek the appropriate help and support immediately. For more information, check out our blog here on what porn addiction is and how to stop it.

Here are some of the key signs that you may have a porn addiction:

You’ve lost interest in sex

One of the most common signs that you are addicted to porn is that you have lost interest in sex in the real world. Many people suffering from a porn addiction report that they find their partner less attractive than before and therefore struggle to be intimate with them.

This can cause relationship breakdowns, especially if sexual stimulation becomes a problem or advances are ignored.

You’re hiding your habit from your loved ones

If you’re becoming secretive, or worried that you will be judged about your habits, it could be a sign that your behaviour around porn is becoming problematic.

You’re more demanding sexually

Porn is made for entertainment purposes and often portrays an unrealistic idea of sex that cannot be easily replicated at home. Many people become more demanding when they are addicted to porn, placing an increased amount of pressure on their partner to replicate what they are seeing on screen.

This can cause their partners to feel physically and emotionally uncomfortable, which in turn, can cause them to distance themselves.

You are constantly preoccupied

Addictions can isolate you from the real world in lots of different ways, so if you find that you’re becoming increasingly preoccupied with porn, you need to seek help.

If porn is taking over your life and impacting your relationships, work life, day-to-day responsibilities and activities, it’s time to talk about your problem and get the help and support you need.

You’ve started watching illegal pornography

If your cravings have intensified and you’ve found yourself watching illegal pornography, it’s vital that you get immediate help.

A porn addiction that is not managed can quickly lead to addicts seeking increasingly deviant sexual illegal images, often depicting violence or children, to satisfy their craving.

You’re spending too much on porn

Finally, if you’re spending way beyond your means when purchasing porn, you could be addicted to porn. If you find yourself in financial difficulty, this can lead to a whole host of other issues, which can heighten your addiction further.

Withdrawals

One of the most common signs of addiction is withdrawal. Withdrawal happens when a substance or behaviour is stopped suddenly. In the case of porn addiction, because the brain has become dependent on porn, removing it as a stimulus can cause both physical and psychological side effects.

Become a counsellor

If you’re interested in becoming a counsellor to support those dealing with porn addiction, find out how to become a counsellor or sign up for one of our Chrysalis Counselling Courses.