Pornography is a material that represents sexual behaviour or is used to stimulate sexual excitement. Pornography can be visual or printed materials. With the rise of internet use over the last two to three decades, pornographic materials have become easily and widely available. The reach to pornography is just a click away and is available to all ages (mostly).
Although pornography is not considered in the DSM. A study done in 2015 revealed that pornographic addiction has similar neural pathways as substance addiction.
Just like substance addiction, the use of pornography releases dopamine, which makes it pleasurable. Over time, tolerance is developed as the brain is rewired to pornography. Now, the normal amount of pornography is not sufficient. So, the consumption increases, making a person depend on it and need more extreme or novel content to achieve the same level of arousal, reinforcing compulsive behaviour (Love et al., 2015).
– Lack of control over the urge to watch pornographic material in public spaces
– Inability to stop consuming pornography
– Spending hours watching or reading explicit content
– Hypersexuality (pornography and compulsive sexual behaviour are related)
– Looking for more extreme or varied content to achieve the same level of pleasure.
– Affected work or academics, as the individual is preoccupied with thoughts of pornography
– Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and frustration when trying to quit consumption.
– Real-life romantic relationships affected
A global study in 2024 revealed that 100 million adults may be addicted to pornography, equating to about 3% of the population experiencing ‘problematic pornography use. A 2019 study revealed that men and women consume pornographic content in India, and it was more common among single and single-parenting group samples.
In India, pornographic addiction is very little talked about because of taboo, but it is prevalent among groups. Since pornography addiction is not directly mentioned in the ICD or DSM, healthcare professionals do not screen the patients for the same, and it goes unnoticed.
Talking about sex is still considered a taboo in India, so people are scared to reach out for help.
– It affects the neural pathways of the brain. A study by Voon et al. (2014) found similar patterns of craving and heightened brain activity as in substance addiction.
– It affects relationships because of unrealistic expectations set by pornography. Porn consumers have reported lower relationship satisfaction and decreased sexual intimacy with their partners.
– It can lead to loneliness, anxiety, feelings of shame, and depression.
– Recognising porn addiction: The first step is to be self-aware about the problem and acknowledge the issue. Understand the pattern and triggers.
– Seeking professional help: Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is found to be effective in the treatment of pornographic addiction. Veda provides holistic addiction treatment in Delhi. It is one of the top-rated rehab centres and is known for personalised addiction treatment. If you wish to move forward and start your treatment for pornographic addiction, Veda can help you with inpatient or outpatient treatment as per your needs.
– Mindfulness: Mindfulness exercises are found to be effective for the treatment of addiction. Mindfulness helps you gain control of the present and situation so that you can make a better decision of self-control.
– Join support groups to help you deal with the feeling of loneliness.
– Set website blockers to avoid triggers and use technology wisely.
Porn addiction is a serious but often overlooked issue that can have profound effects on an individual’s brain, relationships, and overall well-being. While overcoming addiction is challenging, it is entirely possible with the right strategies and support systems. By raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding this issue, society can help individuals struggling with compulsive pornography use find healthier ways to fulfil their emotional and psychological needs.
