Can Porn Addiction Counseling Help My Relationship?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it possible to get rid of addiction?
It is certainly possible to recover from addiction. However, whether we are talking about drug addiction or behavioral addiction (such as sex addiction), it is generally not as simple as mustering up the willpower to stop. Addiction causes changes to the brain that makes it extremely difficult to stop seeking out a substance or behavior despite the harm it is causing in an individual’s life.
It is imperative for individuals who notice signs of addictive behavior to reach out for support from a mental health professional or addiction therapist. Addiction therapy proves to be successful in helping an individual identify the underlying factors contributing to their behaviors and move towards developing healthier coping mechanisms.
Addiction treatment often includes addiction therapy, support groups, and/or medication. There are numerous types of 12 step groups available for individuals who are addicted to sex, gambling, and various other behaviors in addition to alcohol or other substances.
If addictive behavior negatively impacts one’s relationships, couples counseling or family counseling may be an important part of recovery. Couples counseling can provide an avenue of exploring difficult emotions to move towards renewed connection. Another option is family counseling which provides a safe space for working through challenges impacting the family dynamic. In family counseling, a licensed mental health professional helps the individuals develop skills for improving the functioning of the family unit, such as conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
Is addiction good or bad?
Whether addiction to a substance or behavior (such as sex addiction), there are typically negative consequences, not only for the individual but for the people closest to them.
It may or may not be obvious that an individual has a sex addiction, as it is often hidden. It is common for addiction to sex, like many other addictions, to take place in secrecy as an individual will try to hide their behaviors from others. Another sign of sexual addiction is the preoccupation with having sex that interferes with daily responsibilities. A person living with a sex addiction often feels powerless to stop the behavior despite the damage it causes in their life.
Various types of sexual addiction (such as addiction to pornography) can have damaging impacts on intimate relationships. If individuals have a pornography addiction, they will likely show decreased interest in sex with their partners. It is also common for someone who is addicted to sex to engage in extramarital affairs.
For this reason, couples counseling is often an important part of recovery from sexual addiction. Studies have shown that couples greatly benefit from techniques utilized in structural therapy (which is typically used as a part of family therapy). Couples counseling can help partners re-establish the trust that may have been broken and work through the challenges that have emerged due to one partners’ sex addiction. The goal of couples counseling is to increase a sense of understanding and intimacy in the partnership.
Family counseling may also be needed as a way to address challenges in the family unit. With the help of a licensed mental health professional, family counseling provides a way to learn techniques for navigating conflict and difficult situations to move towards a healthier family dynamic.
Recovery from addiction is possible. Many individuals benefit from seeking the support of an addiction therapist who can assist in understanding the underlying factors contributing to the addictive behavior and address any co-occurring mental health issues. This article provides more information about what addiction therapy looks like and guidance for seeking an addiction therapist.
Why is porn addictive?
An article published in Science Focus Magazine revealed that addiction to pornography acts similarly to drug addiction in activating brain networks that manage rewards, motivation, and craving. Increased levels of brain activity were recorded among the individuals who considered watching porn to be a compulsive behavior instead of those who did not.
However, not everyone who watches porn becomes addicted to it. An article published by the American Psychological Association discusses a study where 80% of individuals felt comfortable with using pornography and did not find it problematic in their lives.
A sexual addiction (such as addiction to pornography) tends to follow the same trajectory as drug addiction, beginning with experimentation until an individual engages in daily use, then gradually progressing to abuse and dependence. If certain genetic, psychological, and environmental factors are present, the individual may become addicted to pornography. When an individual becomes addicted to sex, it is extremely difficult for an individual to stop the compulsive behavior despite the harm it may be causing in their relationships and daily functioning. There may also be withdrawal symptoms when an individual tries to stop viewing pornography.
Common signs of sex pornography addiction include being unable to stop viewing porn despite negative consequences, consistent cravings to engage in the behavior, mental preoccupation, irritability, and loss of interest in typical activities. Individuals who are addicted to pornography may experience decreased connection with their partner as they are likely to lose interest in sex. Many individuals who become addicted to pornography also develop other forms of sexual addiction, such as compulsive masturbation.
There are overwhelming feelings of shame that are associated with being addicted to sex or pornography. However, sexual addiction is a challenge that millions of Americans face. There is help and support available for individuals who believe they may be experiencing addiction to pornography or another type of sexual addiction.
Many individuals find successful results from seeking addiction counseling, family counseling, and connecting with others undergoing similar challenges in the form of a support group.
You might consider seeking online addiction counseling services through BetterHelp. It is an affordable and convenient option that allows you to work with a licensed therapist. Addiction counseling is beneficial in helping you to address the underlying emotions that may have contributed to developing an addiction.
Is watching porn bad for you?
Viewing pornography can have a positive or negative effect, depending on the context around which it is used.
Research has found that excessive pornography use is associated with increased sexist attitudes and aggressive sexual behavior. However, not every person responds to pornography in the same way. Some men do not view women differently as a result, while for others watching porn exacerbates existing misogynistic thinking and dangerous behaviors toward women.
There is proof that consistent use of online pornography can cause ‘habituation,’ where an individual will feel the need to seek out new stimuli. This could lead individuals with sex addiction deeper into seeking more hardcore images, perpetuating the addictive cycle.
However, some individuals find watching porn a welcome addition to their sex lives, as they can incorporate new ideas into the bedroom. Do girls watch porn too? The answer is yes, but not as much as men do.
Pornography use may become problematic if it becomes an unhealthy coping skill or develops into compulsive behavior. If an individual feels they cannot stop viewing pornography despite harmful effects on daily functioning and their relationships, it may indicate an addiction to pornography.
If you notice any warning signs of sexual addiction, it is important to reach out to support a licensed therapist or try to log in to Google and search for “addiction therapist near me.” Couples counseling or family counseling may also be necessary to discuss challenges in relationships with significant others. In family therapy, a licensed mental health professional can assist in developing tools for healthy conflict resolution.
Sexual addiction is common and highly treatable. Through addiction therapy, individuals can gain insight into the underlying factors contributing to their behavior and develop constructive coping techniques. Many individuals can improve their quality of life by engaging in addiction counseling as well as 12 Step groups and other forms of support to recover from sexual addiction. BetterHelp offers online addiction counseling with a licensed therapist that you can connect with from anywhere.
Counseling Can Help With Porn Addiction
Counseling is a personal experience, and not everyone will go into it seeking the same things. Keeping these things in mind can ensure that you will get the most out of online counseling, regardless of your specific goals. If you’re still wondering if counseling is right for you and how much counseling costs, please contact us at contact@betterhelp.com. BetterHelp specializes in online counseling to help address all types of mental health concerns. If you’re interested in individual counseling, please reach out to contact@betterhelp.com. For more information about BetterHelp as a company, please find us on:
If you need a crisis hotline or want to learn more about counseling, please see below:
RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) - 1-800-656-4673
NAMI Helpline (National Alliance on Mental Illness) - 1-800-950-6264
For more information on mental health and counseling, please see:
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) SAMHSA Facebook, SAMHSA Twitter, SAMHSA LinkedIn
Mental Health America, MHA Twitter, MHA Facebook, MHA Instagram, MHA Pinterest, MHA LinkedIn
WebMD, WebMD Facebook, WebMD Twitter, WebMD Pinterest, WebMD LinkedIn
NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health), NIMH Facebook, NIMH Twitter,NIMH YouTube, NIMH LinkedIn
APA (American Psychiatric Association), APA Twitter, APA Facebook, APA LinkedIn, APA Instagram
Get Help Now
Emergency: 911
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1- 800-799-7233
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Crisis Text Line: Text “DESERVE” TO 741-741
Lifeline Crisis Chat (Online live messaging): https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
Family Violence Helpline: 1-800-996-6228
Planned Parenthood Hotline: 1-800-230-PLAN (7526)
American Association of Poison Control Centers: 1-800-222-1222
National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependency Hope Line: 1-800-622-2255
National Crisis Line - Anorexia and Bulimia: 1-800-233-4357
LGBTQ+ Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
TREVOR Crisis Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
AIDS Crisis Line: 1-800-221-7044
Veterans Crisis Line: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
TransLifeline: https://www.translifeline.org - 877-565-8860 APA Youtube
Suicide Prevention Wiki: http://suicideprevention.wikia.com
What kind of therapist do you see for porn addiction?
How many hours a week is porn addiction?
Where can I talk about my porn addiction?
How does CBT help with porn addiction?
Why is porn so hard to quit?
Why is my porn addiction so strong?
Can cognitive behavioral therapy effectively help decrease porn addiction counseling?
What are common porn addiction treatments?
Does hypnosis help decrease addiction to porn?
How does one help a friend suffering from addiction to porn?
How does psychotherapy or talk therapy help manage porn addiction?
- Previous Article
- Next Article