“Porn addiction” may not yet be an official diagnosis, but it’s patently a global concern. Consider that the top three pornography websites get a combined 135,000 visits per second. That adds up to 6 billion monthly visits. It also adds up to a public health crisis. Internet pornography fosters a loss of control that contributes to compulsive behavior. No matter how the experts label it, ongoing consumption of porn triggers some of the same mechanisms of common addictions.
Porn is easy to access on our ever-present phones. So much so that more than 8 out of 10 boys between 14 and 18 years old are regular viewers. Starting this year adds to the problem. By the time you decide to break free, you’ll likely need some help and support.
Some Red Flags to Watch For
- As the amount of time you dedicate to watching porn increases, you want to stop but can’t.
- You think about porn and experience cravings when you’re not watching it.
- You feel enough shame and shame about this compulsion to hide your actions.
- The videos you watch are becoming increasingly extreme.
- Daily responsibilities are neglected because you’re too busy watching porn.
- You lose interest in other activities.
- You’ll watch porn in risky places or inappropriate situations.
- Your sex life is suffering, e.g. you have trouble getting aroused without porn, real-life people seem less attractive, or become very demanding of partners to perform the acts you watch in videos.
- Any attempts by outsiders to talk to you about this result in your lashing out in defensiveness and anger.
There are other signs and symptoms, of course. But if any of the above resonates with you, it’s likely time to take targeted action.
How to Break Free From Porn Addiction
Recovery begins with an acceptance that it’s time for you to stop. This level of awareness dramatically improves your chances of implementing the suggestions below. No matter what, practice patience. Compulsions do not disappear overnight. In the case of a relapse, do your best to refocus and not dwell in self-blame.
Block Your Access
This is the fundamental step. The fact that pornography is free and easily accessible has facilitated this explosion in use. Hence, you’ll want to make it as difficult as possible to casually slip back into old habits, e.g.
- Delete all downloaded pornographic content and porn-related bookmarks ASAP. Do this on all your devices.
- Learn about and set up porn filters. Even better, ask a trusted friend to install porn-blocking software on your devices. Make them promise to never share the passwords.
- It may be rare these days but if you are someone who has hard copy pornography, destroy it and dispose of it immediately.
Don’t Allow the Vacuum to Remain Unfilled
Like it or not, you will get urges and cravings. After allocating so much time to porn viewing, it is highly advisable to cultivate healthy replacement habits. What they are is up to you and your interests but successful options include:
- Physical activity, sports, and exercise
- Creative pursuits
- Reading an old-fashioned book you can hold in your hands
- Doing work around the house
- Re-connecting to your spirituality via prayer, meditation, etc.
Avoid Isolating Yourself
It’s tempting to withdraw. Since porn addiction is so common, you’ll have no problem finding a support group. This can be done online until you feel comfortable enough to meet in person. In addition, stay connected to friends and family members. Fun conversations and meet-ups are wonderful ways to develop replacement habits.
Should you prefer to start this effort with guidance from a professional, therapy is a proven and successful path to healing and recovery.
Ready To Do Something About Your Porn Use?
Watch my video to learn more about how you can Kick The Porn Habit Forever.
There is hope and help available. Watch my video on porn addiction to learn more.