Some individuals have a compulsive need to consume pornography. These people have reached a point where it interferes with their daily life. They are individuals with an addiction to pornography. They engage in self-defeating behaviors, as well as neglect their responsibilities, and more because of porn. Pornography is easily affordable, accessible and those who engage in it over the internet can remain anonymous.
When an addiction to pornography is left untreated, it can turn into a destructive force in a person’s life. An addict’s relationships, especially sexual and romantic relationships, will be negatively influenced. An addiction to pornography could lead to certain outcomes.
*Extremely low self-esteem
*Inability to develop quality relationships
*Lower sexual satisfaction
Here are just some options for porn addition therapy.
CBT and MI Treatments
Currently, pornography addiction is not recognized or identified as a formal mental illness. Fortunately, there is treatment available for it. Some therapists have experienced success with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This enables a person to become aware of the triggers for their behavior. CBT has successfully helped addicts identify their patterns of thinking about pornography, and then change them. Addicts may also be treated with Motivational Interviewing (MI). They are asked strategic questions to help guide them toward positive changes. Addicts learn to think about the challenges associated with their addiction.
Group Therapy
This has been successful with treating porn addictions as it helps to heal personal traumas. When individuals connect , they experience a form of emotional intimacy. This has been proven to be a powerful tool for helping an addiction to pornography. Approaches that are focused on trauma make it possible to explore how a person’s trauma may have impacted their sense of safety as well as willingness to be vulnerable to others.
Hypnosis
This treatment is a guided meditation. It will create a trance-like state so that porn addicts can identify their deeper issues. This has been successful at determining the root causes of porn addiction by gaining access to the subconscious. This may be used in conjunction with Bi-Lateral Analysis Stimulation Technique (BLAST). With this treatment, an addict can process their trauma with physical movement. Hypnosis could also be used with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EDMR). This uses an addict’s eye movement to help them identify their trauma.
Replacing Bad Habits
One of the most successful treatments for people who have a porn addiction is helping them discover something they feel is better. Addicts are initially told to determine what pornography gives them. A therapist can then help them identify things they value more. This has been successful in helping addicts quit porn for good. When they can replace their bad behaviors with something more positive, it promotes self-improvement. Addicts who have successfully done this have developed their own motivation.
Medication
This can benefit an addict in certain situations. Medication is designed to treat coexisting psychiatric disorders. It will focus on compulsive sexual behaviors as well as hypersexual behaviors, and more. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are often used. This type of medication is usually prescribed for individuals experiencing depression. It is designed to increase the level of serotonin in a person’s body. This is the neurotransmitter that is responsible for the emotion-regulating signals being sent between a person’s brain cells. It has been successful in decreasing negative sexual behaviors.
Long-Term Abstinence
Many individuals who are addicted to pornography are usually successful with one of the available treatments. The challenge then becomes maintaining long-term abstinence. An addict may relapse. This doesn’t mean they have failed. Many people experience a relapse after completing their treatment. A survey discovered up to 60 percent of addicts relapse in one way or another. A goal of treatment is to deal with issues as they occur in an addict’s life and therefore increase porn addiction relapse prevention skills. An addict can learn how to work through their issues with professional help. They are then better prepared to resist going back to their old habits.
Aftercare Plan
Prior to a person ending a treatment program, they need to plan ahead and create an aftercare plan. This is an excellent way for an addict to experience long-term success. An aftercare plan will provide them with a road map. It will be designed to help them feel ready to deal with all the triggers and stressors in their life. It could involve avoiding people and situations that resulted in them using porn. An aftercare plan will have the steps necessary to move through situations and not have a relapse.
When trying to locate a sex addiction therapist, it is important to use someone who has a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) designation. It is good to know to what extent they have previously worked with sexually addicted clients. Ask if they recommend 12-step recovery meetings. It is also important to know if they provide focused addicted group therapy. An addict will also want to know how the therapist would handle a relapse. It is always important for a porn addict to get professional help from someone experienced and qualified to help them with their addiction.
