The Process of Bringing a Porn Addiction to a Halt
Porn addiction is no less of a serious problem than drug or alcohol addiction. It simply lacks the same level of physical symptoms while the psychological and emotional symptoms are more devastating.
Like other addictions, it is near impossible for someone to stop their porn addiction cold turkey without some form of help. Why? Upon making the decision to try to stop viewing porn, the addiction sufferer is at risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms (more on that below).
While drug addicts and alcoholics take refuge in rehab centers to fight for recovery from their addictions, the path to treatment for porn addicts is less defined. Some psychologists believe the best course of treatment is to simply treat the underlying cause of the porn addiction. That might be any kind of issue ranging from relationship problems to sexual issues or even depression. All of this would seem to indicate that the porn addict needs therapy from a therapist that specializes in the following areas:
- Relationship counseling: to address personal relationship issues that are driving the need to view porn instead of dealing with the relationship
- Psychotherapy: addressing issues related to sexual dysfunctions or attitudes that drive the need for porn
- Medication: to treat emotional problems that are influencing the desire for porn as a coping mechanism
- Life Coaching: To improve lifestyle issues that leave too much time for porn
The Withdrawal Symptoms Associated With Porn Addiction
As is the case with most addictions, any attempts to cease the addictive behavior will usually result in the onset of withdrawal symptoms. The problem with withdrawal symptoms is they can themselves cause enough temporary problems to drive the addiction sufferer to abort attempts to cease their addictive behavior. That’s a major issue with drug and alcohol addiction because of the significant physical withdrawal symptoms that result from sudden abstinence.
As we stated above, the withdrawal symptoms associated with porn addiction are psychological in nature. Just the same, they can challenge the porn addiction sufferer to stay the course when the withdrawal symptoms start in earnest.
At this time, we would like to get into specifics about porn withdrawal. It’s worth noting that someone addicted to drugs or alcohol will usually clear their withdrawal symptoms within a week or so. With porn addiction, the process could take weeks. Take a look at the following common withdrawal symptoms associated with porn addiction. It might clarify why clearing porn withdrawal symptoms take more time.
Porn addiction withdrawal symptoms:
- Violent mood swings that can occur within minutes going back and forth during the day
- Loss of libido due to the loss of a primary sexual outlet, that being masturbation while watching porn
- Insomnia issues related to the boredom that occurs at night with no access to porn
- Social anxiety is heightened due to the lack of social interactions while in the throes of porn addiction
- Headaches and fatigue caused by the chemical imbalance the brain feels because of the lack of endorphins that were being released when watching porn
- Irritability increases because of the onslaught of cravings that go unfulfilled
- Depression as though the porn addiction sufferer is missing something major in their life
- The obsession will continue through intrusive thoughts about porn and the guilt and shame one feels because of their porn addiction
Managing Porn Withdrawal
Since the withdrawal symptoms associated with porn addiction are more psychological in nature, there is not a lot that doctors or therapists can offer in the way of help. Therefore, it is incumbent on the porn addiction sufferer to figure out ways to manage their withdrawal symptoms.
First and foremost, they need to find ways to avoid being alone. Time alone is an opportunity to participate in the addictive behavior. Second, they should be focusing on the causes of their addiction and try avoiding the triggers that prompt the need to watch porn. Finally, they can start therapy. The sooner they can learn the truth about their porn addiction, the sooner they can start their recovery.
The Signs of Porn Addiction
Like all other addictions, porn addiction runs in a cycle. It starts with an obsession, turns into dependence, and eventually evolves into a full-blown addiction when left untreated.
In case you might be wondering, there are common signs associated with porn addiction. These signs can serve as notice that something is not right with the porn addiction sufferer. The signs of porn addiction include:
- Actual sex life and sexual relationships become less satisfying
- Creates problems with personal relationships
- Risky behaviors like viewing porn in inappropriate places and times
- Unable or unwilling to manage personal responsibilities like paying bills
- Increasing shame and disgust from watching porn
- Financial problems due to the unchecked purchase of porn
- Unable to stop watching even when wanting to stop
- Turn to watching porn as a way to cope with depression, frustration, or disappointments in life
