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Porn is widely accessible online and is accepted in certain social circles. However, when watching porn becomes a problem in your life and creates changes in your behaviour, then this could be the beginning of a sex or porn addiction. Regardless of age, gender or background, porn addiction can come with an increase in the frequency of casual sexual relations and aggressive behaviours within your sex life. All of which can be problematic.
If a loved one is showing signs of a porn addiction, find out how to help here.
What is a Porn Addiction?
Porn is watched by millions of people. Watching porn can be part of healthy sexual behaviour; whether it is alone or with your partner. It is important to note that watching porn frequently does not mean that you have an addiction to it. Pornography, however, can alter your mind’s thought processes and change your behavioural patterns. This is when the line is crossed between a healthy sexual life and an abnormal lifestyle.
Risk factors for porn addiction include drug or alcohol use, previous sexual abuse or conflict and mood or anxiety disorders.
To understand this further, we must look at the symptoms of porn addiction:
- Feeling unsatisfied with your sex life
- Possible relationship issues or not feeling as happy with your partner
- Looking at porn in appropriate settings such as an office or in public
- Feeling shame or guilt but continuing to watch porn
- Using pornography as a life coping method, such as with anxiety or stress
- Spending money on watching pornography and financial troubles
- Withdrawal from other activities
Porn addiction can affect anyone and is categorised as a behavioural addiction. If your loved one has a porn addiction, it is important that you know how to help before your relationship breaks down.
How to Help a Loved One with Porn Addiction
Any type of addiction can cause troubles in daily life. Whilst it may seem as if you are alone, there is always someone there to offer you a helping hand to overcome the issues. When facing addiction, you should know how best to support someone. Porn addiction treatment is available, and certain lifestyle changes and enhancement of your home life and environment can really encourage your loved one.
Open Up Communication
Communicating is key. Whilst it may seem difficult to first admit to porn addiction, this is where the healing can truly begin. Communication can help them remove themselves from denial and motivate them towards change. Don’t judge their behaviours, but instead, try to get to the bottom of what is causing the porn addiction. Speak openly and calmly.
Don’t pressurise yourself in any shape or form, and set the right location to intervene with your loved one. Choose a good time, offer active listening, and express empathy without creating any blame or criticism.
Learn More About Porn Addiction
Porn addiction is a sensitive subject. However, when a loved one is showing the classic signs of an addiction, it must be addressed. Learning about porn addiction will allow you to understand and appreciate the complexities. Often they are tied to pre-existing conditions. Mental health issues can exacerbate the situation, therefore understanding the psychological aspects and issues can help you and your loved one better understand the addiction.
Read about porn addiction online, and look at helpful success stories, which will make you feel motivated to help.
Seek Professional Porn Addiction Treatment
Once you have established the destructive and potentially harmful behaviours in daily life, as well as the emotional impacts it has, you can offer a pathway to help. Whilst you can’t undertake the role of a professional therapist, you can offer them insights into a pre-established treatment plan with a professional team. Rehabilitation clinics and certain support groups can help create clear steps and goals.
When you speak to therapists or counsellors, you will be able to find the right path towards recovery. A qualified professional will be able to initiate psychotherapies and counselling that will ultimately help you address the situation and tackle porn addiction head-on. Some of the most popular therapeutic approaches are: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Individual Therapy (Counselling) and mindfulness are all positive routes to change.
Create a Supportive Environment
As with any recovery journey, a supportive environment will be vital if you choose to remove addiction from your life. As a family member or friend, ensuring that they are okay day to day is important. Ensure that they are continuing the treatments recommended and that they are in a space of compassion and not judgement.
Porn addiction takes time to overcome, and therefore you should continue to offer personal support. It is also important to set boundaries for yourself, in order to be strong and in control for the person facing addiction. Establishing healthy routines and relationships will be helpful and this can be achieved by planning other activities to divert and distract a porn addict.
Take time to do fun things that can also release dopamine. Help them create a positive diary to keep on top of their feelings. Remove any temptations and keep a check on their habits without overseeing their every move. Support and love are important to keep your loved one stay on track.
Take Care of Yourself
Taking care of yourself as well as your loved one will be of the biggest benefit to you. Self-care will allow you to be able to function properly, whilst not having porn addiction recovery become the only aspect of your life. Emotional burnout and exhaustion will mean that you can’t dedicate the time anymore to your loved one. That is why implementing these small tips daily can create an easier journey to recovery.
How to Establish Self-care Routines
- Establish a good sleep routine
- Continue to live life as normal, with your daily routines undertaken as normal
- Take time for yourself, whether it is going to the gym, a walk, the cinema or something you enjoy
- Seek support from other friends or family members
- Speak to your therapists and counsellors to ensure that you are not burning out
- Keep a journal
Helping Someone with a Porn Addiction
Porn addiction and behavioural addiction can be easily treated and managed long term. Overcoming feelings of shame or guilt will allow you to easily reach out. Non-judgmental professionals are always ready to listen to your story. Please contact our friendly and professional team today to gain further insight into the available support and treatments. Call 0800 470 0382 or text HELP To 83222.
