Pornography Addiction

Human beings are designed to avoid pain and seek pleasure. This basic fact was noted by Aristotle and is confirmed by experience. When we have a headache, we take pain relievers. When work is over, we seek out pleasurable activities. We strive to dampen pain and gain pleasure.

An addiction is bondage to unhealthy ways of dulling pain and seeking pleasure. Addiction to pornography involves both of these factors. Porn is commonly used to escape pain (such as stress, loneliness, depression, boredom, anxiety, fear and shame). It’s also used to gain pleasure. But not everyone who uses pornography is addicted to it. For porn use to become an addiction, additional factors must develop. These are outlined under What is Pornography Addiction? (see below).

A hallmark of addiction is denial. Most pornography addicts, like other addicts, minimize their problem. “Oh, I don’t spend that much time on it.” “I can stop at any time.” “Nobody’s getting hurt by this.” And so on. Often, the porn addict has to “hit bottom” before seeing the true extent of his predicament. This may occur when a spouse discovers the “stash” or when the law comes calling – as in the case of child porn.

Do yourself a favor. Learn about pornography addiction and take steps to recover – or help another to recover – before severe consequences occur! If they already have, don’t give up. It’s never too late to gain health and proper balance in your life.