As an LDS counselor I’ve learned that over forty Million Adults in the U.S. visit internet pornography sites on a regular basis. One in five internet searches on a mobile device are for pornography. Pornography is the fastest growing industry in the world and 20% of men admit to viewing pornography at work. Some may argue that porn is victimless and hurts no one but the demand for physical aggression, verbal aggression and child porn is at an all-time high.
Some believe viewing of pornography is an adult activity, however research is now showing that most start the road to addiction with exposure to porn as young as eight years old and move into addictive behaviors as early as 11 years old. The truth is that pornography is stealing the future of our children and creating an addiction before their brains and personalities are fully developed.
Some of the Signs and Symptoms of Porn Addiction include:
- Excessive viewing of pornography. The definition of “excessive” depends on what you consider healthy, or it is the point at which pornography starts to have a negative impact on some aspect of your (or someone else’s) life.
- Watching pornography interferes with normal daily behavior or responsibilities.
- More time spent watching pornography, or searching for more stimulating types of pornography, is needed to get you aroused or to climax, i.e., you develop a tolerance.
- There is a sense of emotional distress, or feeling of withdrawal, when porn use is stopped.
- Continued use of pornography despite serious consequences (e.g., loss of relationship or job, contraction of a sexually transmitted disease or “STD”).
- Compulsive masturbating.
- Sexual dysfunction (e.g., impotence, premature ejaculation).
- Use of pornography negatively affects your relationships, for example:
- It is more difficult to become aroused by your partner.
- Romantic or sexual behavior between you and your partner changes (e.g., becomes more aggressive, dominant, or emotionally disconnected).
- You watch porn as a way to alter your mood (e.g., obtain a “high”) or avoid other unpleasant feelings, like anxiety or depression.
There is no denying that porn addiction is on the rise. Knowing the warning signs can help you know when help is needed. As an LDS counselor we are equipped to help you battle this addiction. Contact us at 972-426-9500 for more information about addiction or visit our website j9n.83e.myftpupload.com for some free resources.