What is pornography addiction? 8 questions you need to ask

by | Jun 30, 2016 | addiction, pornography addiction

pornography addiction

8 signs that you may have pornography addiction?

Since the internet brought pornography onto every computer, tablet and mobile phone, pornography use has become every day and with it pornography addiction. One study from 2011 of young men found that almost all of them had intentionally viewed pornography in the previous week (Sessom 2011). There is growing evidence that pornography addiction is rapidly becoming a problem for both men and women (Young 2007).

Sadly there is no universally recognised diagnosis of pornography addiction (APA 2013). This means you have to make up your own mind. Below are eight questions commonly used in psychology which may help decide if you have a pornography addiction problem.

8 Pornography addiction questions?

1. How long do I feel I could go without using porn?  (remember most young men view each week)

2. Do I ever plan my life so that I have time to view porn?

3. Do I cancel dates, meetings, arrangements to use pornography?

4. How long do I use pornography for on average a day? (10 minutes, 20, 30, 1 hour, 3 hours.)

5. Is using porn effecting my relationship, or preventing me seeking one?

6. Do I feel ‘bad’ after viewing pornography? (depressed, self-loathing, guilt, shame)

7. Have I ever viewed pornography in ‘high risk’ situations?  (at work, in public etc.)

8. Is it causing problems for me? (low stimulation with partner, relationship tension, no spare time)

By now you should have some idea if you have a problem or not. Help may be available as a number of psychological therapies are proving to be beneficial. & some simple Behaviour changes can help.

 

portrait

The author.

Matt Krouwel is a hypnotherapist in Birmingham with a specialism in working with numerous sexual issues including pornography addiction and erectile dysfunction.

 

References

American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. pp. 481, 797–798

Sessoms, J. (2011). The Cyber Pornogrphy Use Inventory: Comparing a Religious and Secular Sample.

Young, K. S. (2007). Cognitive behavior therapy with Internet addicts: treatment outcomes and implications. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 10(5), 671-679.