Porn and Masturbation Addiction Treatment Programs

Most types of pornography are legal and easily accessible, which makes it easier for a person’s pornography use to spiral out of control. Like drugs and alcohol, pornography affects the pleasure centers of the brain and can become addictive. If you or your partner may need porn addiction treatment, please call (800) 660-0986 for confidential help and support.

Certain areas of the brain do not differentiate between images and reality. When people watch scary movies, for example, they may experience a rush of adrenaline as the body prepares to run or fight the bad guy. When they watch pornographic movies, their neurotransmitters respond and the body becomes sexually aroused. Masturbation and orgasm then unleash dopamine, serotonin, testosterone, and oxytocin, which relaxes the mind and body, provides positive reinforcement for viewing pornography, and bonds the person to the experience.

Signs You Are Addicted to Pornography

Addiction typically happens gradually. People may start watching porn more frequently and thinking about it more often. Suddenly, it seems, the behaviors and thoughts are difficult to stop. They may feel depressed or guilty after watching it or masturbating and vow to stop the behaviors but find it too difficult. Thoughts about sex and porn can become intrusive and interfere with work and relationships. Some people view it in inappropriate places, such as on the job or in school. Turning to porn in times of stress, rather than managing the problem or conflict, is another sign of addiction.

Porn addicts usually become desensitized to “soft” pornography, and they continue to build a tolerance. Eventually, they may need to view extremely graphic or taboo materials to become aroused. In some cases, they may start to act out the pornographic scenarios or seek sexually deviant experiences with others. For others, having sex may feel less gratifying than watching porn or masturbating. Fantasy can seem preferable to real relationships, partly because there are no boundaries and no chances of rejection or criticism. An addict may also stop associating sex with love, affection, and romantic relationships. Help for these signs and symptoms is available at (800) 660-0986.

Help for Porn Addicts

Porn addiction treatment programs can help people overcome destructive thoughts and behaviors, and it can help them repair strained relationships with significant others. The primary goal, as it is with drug addiction, is to abstain from pornography use and prevent relapses.

Therapy for porn addiction usually includes help with stress management. When people learn and practice several healthy methods for relieving anxiety and depression, they may be less likely to masturbate or watch porn for relief. The urges to do so can remain and be intense at times, so therapists also help people develop a plan for riding out the cravings without giving in to the temptation. This is similar to nicotine addicts chewing celery until the craving subsides.

Because certain items, such as lingerie or lipstick, can be triggers for urges or compulsions, therapists also help addicts identify their triggers and learn to cope with them. Behavioral modification methods such as desensitization may be used. Learning to stop and replace certain types of mental imagery is another aspect of therapy.

Addicts who are married or in serious relationships may also be encouraged to enter couples therapy. In couples therapy, addicts are encouraged to be open and honest about their past and current behaviors and thoughts. This can help the partner gain a better understanding of the problem and help the couple begin to reestablish trust if it was lost. The therapist may also help the couple develop an accountability plan.

Porn addiction treatment programs usually include support groups, too, such as Sexaholics Anonymous. SA is a 12-step program like Alcoholics Anonymous. In some cases, medications such as Depo-Provera may be prescribed to help reduce a person’s sex drive. Psychiatrists may also prescribe antidepressants or antianxiety medications for underlying conditions that influence the addiction.

Learning more about porn addiction can help people gain a better understanding of the condition, as well as more control over it. For this reason, some programs include recommended reading and discussions of books about it.

People who are interested in inpatient or outpatient porn addiction treatment can call (800) 660-0986 or complete a short form for confidential assistance.