Many people view pornography nowadays, and this is not a cause for concern. It is available in many formats and can be found in numerous places across the internet. If you are someone that watches pornography, you may be wondering if you have an addiction to it. Here’s a look at what pornography addiction is and what you can do about it.
When is it an addiction?
Watching many hours of porn each week, by itself, doesn’t mean you are addicted. Besides that, you don’t have to think that you have an addiction simply because you watch porn. There are other factors that must be present before it is considered to be an addiction. Take a look at some of the signs of porn addiction.
- Watching porn instead of doing other things you like
- Viewing porn while neglecting other duties, like school or work
- Not letting anyone know how often you are viewing porn
- Being unable to stop viewing porn
- Viewing explicit material, regardless of where you are
- Losing interest in physical intimacy
- Utilizing porn to deal with stressful situations.
If you or someone you know has these symptoms, they may need help to deal with the effects related to their porn addiction. For more advice on this type of addiction and how it can be treated, view BetterHelp.
Things You Can Do
When you suspect you are experiencing porn addiction, and it is affecting your life and preventing you from taking care of your needs, like showering or supporting yourself, you may want to make a change. You can try these tips when you are attempting to modify your habits concerning porn.
Determine Why You Are Watching It
One of the first things you may choose to do when you are working on overcoming porn addiction is to try to determine why you watch it. Perhaps you view it when you are stressed or if you don’t have anything else to do. Once you are able to determine your reasons, in some instances, you may be able to avoid these situations, which could also lessen how often you are viewing porn.
Tell Someone What’s Going On
If you think you have an issue with porn, this isn’t something that you have to keep to yourself. You can talk to a loved one about what you have been experiencing, and they may be able to tell you about a similar situation that they went through. Moreover, they might decide to hold you a bit accountable, as you are trying to change your habits. For example, you can ask a good friend to inquire every week about what you have watched or viewed, which could keep you honest and help you make the changes that you want to make.
On the other hand, talking to a therapist may be a good idea as well. A professional will be able to offer treatment options that can make a difference, and they will likely have additional techniques they are able to advise you on for porn addiction as well. In some cases, you can visit with a support group too, if you feel like you want to. You can talk to your counselor for a recommendation on a group in your area.
Attending a support group may give you an opportunity to receive advice from others that have overcome porn addiction or are in the process of doing so. They might also understand your point of view, where you won’t have to feel as if others are judging you when you talk to them about what is going on in your life.
Delete Your Files
It may be easier to lessen the amount of porn you view if it isn’t at your fingertips. Go ahead and delete old files and get rid of monthly memberships if you have them. Additionally, delete bookmarks from your favorite sites and throw away any physical discs you have with pornographic material. When you remove these things, you will have a more difficult time trying to find porn to view, and you may think it isn’t worth the time and effort.
Set a Goal
Setting a goal to meet is also something that may be able to lend a hand. For example, if you want to cut the amount of material you view by 50% in the next 3 months, take steps to do this. Just make sure that any goals you set for yourself are reachable. You can also talk to your therapist about what type of goals may be appropriate for you and they may provide additional advice on how to meet them.
Limit Screen Time
When you are trying to work through porn addiction, you might notice that you were in front of electronic devices when you were viewing it. This is why you should take some time away from screens as you are going through treatment. Pick up another hobby instead, such as completing puzzles or playing frisbee with your dog.
Something else that you can think about is beginning an exercise routine. If you start exercising regularly, you may be able to work off excess energy, which might also have the ability to lessen stress. This could cause you to be tired when you get home, where you won’t be thinking about pornography and instead would rather go to sleep or spend your time taking part in another activity.
Conclusion
If you have an addiction to porn and want to change your behavior, this is something that can be addressed through therapy and by changing your habits slightly. Be sure to be diligent when you are trying to make a change and celebrate when you meet your goals.
Keep in mind that if someone you know watches a lot of porn, this doesn’t mean they necessarily have an addiction. What seems like too many hours to you, may not be to them. At the same time, if you are concerned about a friend’s behavior, you should talk to them about what you have seen. They may appreciate that you cared enough to speak up.
