Addiction to Pornography
Just a few years ago, a person would have to go out and buy a magazine or rent a video if they wanted to see what is defined as pornography. Most folks were limited to their exposure based on the amount of space they had for storing these magazines or videos. That is not the case today with an estimated 420 million adult web pages online. Today, the amount of pornography viewed is limited only by the storage space available on computer hard drives. Combined with the almost universal acceptance of pornography as a legitimate entertainment medium, it is very easy for people to become addicted to pornography.
Psychologists say that some porn addiction could actually be classified as a compulsion rather than an addiction. Some experts say that a compulsion may produce addiction-like behavior, but not actually be a true addiction. Other experts disagree and claim that porn addicts exhibit the classic signs of addiction including developing a tolerance for the addictive substance. Similar to drug addicts that need higher doses of drugs to get the same high, those addicted to porn typically need to see more extreme material to feel the same excitement experienced when they first started viewing pornography.
Still others claim that pornography is harmless and can actually be part of a healthy relationship. When used as a way to act out fantasies or fill a need that is not fulfilled by a partner, these people claim pornography can fill in those gaps and keep a relationship from breaking up. Other experts disagree and claim that one partner viewing images and fantasizing about sex with other partners destroys the very fabric of intimacy within a relationship.
Due to the widespread use and acceptance of pornography by many in today’s society, some do not believe that addiction to pornography is a legitimate addiction. Some psychologists would define it as more of a compulsion than an actual addiction. The facts show that pornography causes some people to do the very same things that drug addicts do to get their illicit drugs. Pornography, like drugs, may break up relationships, destroy families and may cause some to lose their job, home or their money. Some porn addicts will do just about anything to get their “fix.” In an online WebMD article by Martin F. Downs, Dr. Mary Anne Layden states, “the therapists who treat pornography addicts say they behave just like any other addicts.”
Categorised as: Different types of addiction