While porn addiction is a behavioral addiction according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5 , porn addiction symptoms are similar to that of substance use disorders SUDs. However, like anything else, when not done in moderation, excessive pron viewing can lead to dependence and addiction. Being able to identify the signs and symptoms of porn addiction correctly is crucial, especially if you think that you or a loved one may have a problem.
Porn addiction is treatable with counseling, therapy, and other treatment methods. Behavioral addictions can be more challenging to identify than drug or alcohol addictions accurately.
Knowing what to look for when it comes to porn addiction can help make that distinction between a healthy and unhealthy relationship with pornography. Below are some of the most common signs that you or a loved one may have a porn addiction:. Like with substance addiction, one of the most straightforward ways to tell if a porn addiction is present is if the person is unable to quit watching porn.
Someone displaying compulsive sexual behavior may try and stop watching porn and be unsuccessful. They also may understand the negative consequences that their porn viewing has and still be unable to stop. As their porn addiction continues to get more severe, they may even reach a point where they no longer want to watch porn, but they feel as though they have to, leading to feelings of guilt.
Cravings are the result of the brain wanting a rush of dopamine the feel-good drug and knowing that it can get that extra dopamine from watching porn. You may experience cravings to continue watching porn after you have already started, or you might experience a craving if you have gone a while without consuming any pornography.
