September 29, 2023
The long-term effects of trauma on your brain
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Is porn addiction like every other addiction? Or are there additional detriments that it can have to your brain, to your body, and to the people around you? Read this latest piece to uncover everything you need to know about addiction to the big P.
Pornography addiction, although not officially recognized as a mental health disorder, has garnered attention due to its compelling nature.
While some experts debate whether it qualifies as a true addiction or an obsession, its impact on the brain is undeniable.
Some studies suggest that porn addiction shares similarities with the compulsive aspects of obsessive-compulsive disorder, indicating that the act of watching porn might serve as a compulsion to alleviate obsessive thoughts and anxiety.
It is also a heavily normalised medium in our society, with children beginning to consume porn as early as 12 years old and men well into their 30s visiting porn sites at least once in a given month.
The absence of a formal diagnostic framework for porn addiction complicates the identification process.
However, there are several signs that may indicate an unhealthy relationship with pornography.
These include watching porn in inappropriate settings, such as public places, where others can see and hear, as well as experiencing disruptions in personal and professional life due to excessive porn consumption.
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Other signs encompass persistent thoughts about watching porn, unsuccessful attempts to cut back, financial strains from purchasing pornographic materials, and an overall inability to control the urge to consume explicit content.
If you are in a relationship, too, it can have a direct effect on how your brain processes intimacy, your ability to enjoy sexual intercourse without additional stimulus, or even impact how you treat your partner in the bedroom.
Gauging the prevalence of porn addiction can be challenging due to the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria. Surveys among internet users have offered some insight.
While not included in the DSM-5, studies estimate that hypersexual disorders, including porn addiction, may affect around six percent of adults in the United States.
This prevalence can be attributed to the proliferation of pornographic content on the internet, particularly in the last decade.
Men are more likely to be affected by porn addiction, with higher rates observed in younger age groups, such as between 12-17, and 18-25.
That being said, porn addiction can impact women, as 1 out of 6 women in the United States have a porn addiction, so it’s by no means a gendered problem.
Scientific research has shed light on the neural mechanisms involved in porn addiction.
Studies using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to examine brain changes in individuals with sexual compulsion disorders have found parallels to the brain alterations seen in substance addicts.
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Specifically, the brain's mesolimbic regions, commonly associated with rewards, appear to be affected in individuals with porn addiction.
The release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and cravings, mirrors the brain responses seen in substance and behavioral addictions.
Porn addiction's consequences extend beyond neurological changes. Relationships often bear the brunt of this addiction, as excessive consumption can lead to emotional withdrawal and secretive behaviors.
Partners may experience feelings of inadequacy, and the unrealistic expectations fostered by pornography can hinder intimacy.
Moreover, individuals with porn addiction might find their real-world responsibilities and daily functioning compromised, as the compulsion to watch porn takes precedence over other activities.
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