Porn Addiction: Symptoms & Withdrawal

Porn Addiction Symptoms

Some porn addiction symptoms or signs of porn addiction include:

• An unsatisfying sex life
• Relationship problems or unsatisfaction with a partner
• Engaging in risky behavior to watch porn (i.e., watching it at work)
• Ignoring other responsibilities to view porn
• Watching more extreme pornography to experience the same release that less intense porn once offered
• Feeling frustrated or ashamed after watching porn but continuing to do so
• Wanting to stop watching porn but feeling unable to do so
• Spending large amounts of money on porn. This may be at the expense of daily or family necessities
• Using porn to cope with depression, insomnia, anxiety, or other mental health issues

Porn Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms

Porn addiction withdrawal is similar to withdrawal from other types of addiction. Once you attempt to quit, your brain experiences a shift in dopamine levels.

When you try to quit porn, your brain no longer receives the dopamine hit it’s used to, leading to withdrawal symptoms.

Acknowledging porn addiction withdrawal symptoms is essential to help manage and cope with them. These symptoms are usually an indicator of treatment needs.

Like any other addiction, quitting porn through a porn detox process and dealing with addiction withdrawal symptoms can be challenging. 

Here are some common porn addiction withdrawal symptoms:

1. Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common symptoms of withdrawal from many types of addiction. It can manifest in various ways, such as feeling on edge, restless, or panicked.

2. Depression

Many people with addiction also experience depression. Quitting porn can contribute to a worsening of depressive symptoms or trigger a depressive episode.

3. Irritability

Irritability is another common withdrawal symptom of addiction. This may occur because of the anxiety and stress of quitting an addiction.

4. Loss of Libido

Many people addicted to erotic material lose interest in sex. This may be because they’ve become used to the instant gratification that porn provides. They may find real-life sexual encounters less exciting.

5. Insomnia

Many people struggling with addiction have trouble sleeping. This may link with the anxiety that comes with quitting. Or, it may be a side effect of the changes in brain chemistry that come with addiction.

6. Fatigue

Tiredness is a common symptom of withdrawal from any addiction. It likely occurs due to the changes in sleep patterns and the mental and physical exhaustion of addiction.

7. Headaches

Headaches are a common symptom of addiction withdrawal, particularly during the early stages.

8. Intrusive thoughts

Many people addicted to erotic material report intrusive thoughts about porn, even when trying not to think about it. The disruption can be highly distressing and may make it hard to focus on other things.

9. Cravings

Cravings are one of the most challenging symptoms of addiction withdrawal. They can be intense and may lead to relapse if not appropriately managed.

10. Mood swings

When trying to quit an addiction, your brain experiences many changes. This can lead to shifts in your mood.

11. Problems concentrating

Many people addicted to porn experience difficulty concentrating on other things. This is likely due to the intrusive cravings and thoughts that come with addiction.

12. Social isolation

Social isolation can be worsened by the shame and embarrassment of addiction. 

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What is Porn Addiction? (porn addiction definition)

Porn addiction refers to when a person becomes emotionally dependent on pornography. The condition affects people of all ages, genders, and walks of life.

Pornography addiction is likely to interfere with a person’s:

• Daily life
• Relationships
• Ability to function

Porn addiction is quite common. Some doctors determine porn addiction to be a hypersexual disorder. This is an umbrella term that includes behaviors like excessive masturbation.

The prevalence of these disorders may be around 3 to 6 percent.¹ However, these rates are hard to determine because of a lack of formal classification.

Porn addiction is a controversial issue. Some research suggests that porn addiction isn’t an actual condition.²

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What Causes Porn Addiction?

Because of the controversy surrounding pornography addiction, there isn’t yet a clear set of causes.

A 2015 study noted that a person believing themselves to be addicted to pornography, instead of actual pornography use, was the significant cause of linked distress.³ This theory suggests that the concept that porn addiction exists is a cause of the anxiety that some people experience when watching porn.

However, experts who endorse the existence of pornography addiction argue that the addictive nature of porn use and its consequences make it a complex issue with various possible causes.

Some of these causes may include:

• Mental health conditions: Some people use pornography to escape psychological distress.
• Relationship issues: Pornography can be used to deal with sexual dissatisfaction in a relationship.
• Unhealthy cultural norms: Ideas about how people look and act during sex and the types of sex people should enjoy may draw people to pornography.
• Biological causes: Specific biological factors may increase the risk of porn addiction. For example, changes in brain chemistry when a person views porn.

Effects of Porn Addiction

Porn is highly accessible, so it’s easy for someone to become dependent on it. Once someone attempts to quit porn after becoming dependent on it, they’re likely to experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms like the ones listed above.

Research suggests that pornography use can contribute to changes in the brain. In a study assessing porn’s addictive nature, those that consumed high amounts of erotic material had increased brain reactions when presented with pornographic cues.⁴

Like other addictions, watching porn affects the brain’s reward pathways. This affects a neurotransmitter called dopamine which plays a part in pleasure and cravings.⁵ 

This reaction is also noticed when people with substance or gambling addictions are presented with addictive prompts.⁴

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Treatment for Porn Addiction

Research doesn’t support any specific treatment for pornography addiction. As many researchers don’t believe pornography addiction is a genuine medical condition, some doctors and therapists don’t think treatment is necessary.

Some people seeking treatment for porn addiction may benefit from addressing other issues, like:

• Relationship issues
• Sexual shame
• Depression

If a person experiencing porn addiction symptoms opts for therapy, it’s essential to pick a counselor who understands and can manage their specific issues.

Some treatment strategies that can help with porn addiction include:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can help people: 

• Understand their relationship with porn
• Identify unmet sexual needs
• Develop strategies for working with psychological distress

Relationship Counseling

Couples’ counseling can help partners:

• Discuss their values
• Determine whether porn has a place in their relationship
• Foster a deeper trust

Medication

Sometimes people use porn to cope with other conditions. Medication may help treat the underlying issue.

Lifestyle Changes

Often people view porn out of boredom or exhaustion. A healthier lifestyle may involve spending fewer hours on the computer, where it may be tempting to watch porn.

Porn Addiction Resources

Some resources and hotlines for people suffering from porn addiction include:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 
• The Boys Town National Hotline: 1-800-448-3000
• Sex Addicts Anonymous: 1-713-869-4902

Summary

• Porn addiction is when a person becomes emotionally dependent on pornography. 
• There isn’t yet a clear set of causes of how porn addiction develops. However, they may include mental health conditions, relationship problems, and unhealthy cultural norms.
• Some common porn addiction symptoms include having relationship issues and an unsatisfying sex life.
• Viewing porn excessively can cause serious issues, whether or not it’s addictive in the traditional medical sense.
• Porn addiction treatment usually involves addressing an underlying issue, which often relates to mental health. However, for some, simple lifestyle changes can help.

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