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Why are you addicted to porn?


To understand why you’re addicted to porn, it helps to first understand how addiction works. 

An addiction is an urge to do a harmful activity without having the control to stop. This is typically caused by increased extracellular levels of dopamine - a neurotransmitter that makes you feel “good”. 

Activities that increase dopamine levels include cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, and orgasms induced by pornography


 

What is Porn Addiction?

Porn addiction is the inability to stop looking at porn while still continuing to experience negative physical, mental, and emotional effects - including sexual dysfunction. Pornography use is additionally correlated with relationship and employment problems. 

Perspectives on the use of pornography differ across society. For example, some mainstream websites claim that there is nothing “inherently wrong” with looking at porn - however the growing body of scientific studies proves otherwise. Evidence concerning how porn affects relationships and physical health continues to mount as mental health professionals address this increasing problem.

 

The Addiction Journey

It’s about making a change of life

Our research has brought us to development of a precise and effective model that helps you recover. Ladderout helps you understand your weaknesses and build your strengths to forget about this addiction step by step

Porn Addiction Causes

There are many porn addiction causes that include mental issues, relationship difficulties, and neurochemical imbalances. While many of these causes have persisted throughout history, increased availability is the leading cause driving the skyrocketing numbers of pornography addiction seen today. 

In the past, pornography was accessed through printed materials, audio, and film. Therefore, obtaining pornography was difficult and carried numerous risks, such as being discovered by family, friends, and professional colleagues.

Accessing pornography today is much more accessible through personal devices on the internet. Many people also believe their searches are private, however that is not the case. Most internet activity is monitored and recorded by search engines and social media websites - and private browsing does not provide additional security. 

Here are some critical internet pornography statistics to consider:

So whether you think you may be addicted to watching porn or not, please keep in mind that your activity is not private. Pornography is a growing industry, and external data companies track what you are viewing and log all your activity.

Signs of Porn Addiction

Signs of internet porn addiction include:

  • Sexual dysfunction, lack of vaginal lubrication, inability to maintain erections
  • Inability to stop despite any damage to relationships, work, or wellbeing
  • Losing track of time while watching porn
  • Marital difficulties
  • Consumed with thoughts of pornography against your will
  • Feelings of shame, guilt, and depression

Learn more about the signs of porn addiction

Neurochemistry of Porn Addiction

Porn addiction is more complex than just being “addicted to jerking off”. While viewing pornography, the neurochemical activity taking place is similar to “fireworks” going off in the brain.

Pornography excites specific brain regions that excrete dopamine - a critical neurotransmitter produced in the brain that acts as a “reward center”. Viewing pornographic scenes and subsequent climaxing create intense rushes of dopamine that temporarily feel “good” and cause addiction over time.

Frequent and powerful dopamine secretions have adverse effects because “what goes up, must come down”. According to Rachel Anne Barr from the Laval University in Canada, porn erodes the prefrontal cortex and reverts the brain to a more juvenile state. 

“'The much greater irony is that while porn promises to satisfy and provide sexual gratification, it delivers the opposite,” said Barr in recent statements. “Science is only just beginning to reveal the neurological repercussions of porn consumption.

“It is already clear that the mental health and sex lives of its widespread audience are suffering catastrophic effects. From depression to erectile dysfunction, porn appears to be hijacking our neural wiring with dire consequences.”

Click here for pornography addiction help.

Porn Addiction Treatment

Overcoming porn addiction is easy once you understand why you are using pornography. 

There are many ways to quit porn addiction, including behavioural therapy, group sessions, and treatment.

For individuals that want to maintain privacy, the LadderOut App provides a safe and secure way to break free from porn addiction.

Click here to discover how LadderOut works. 

Ready to start breaking your pornography addiction?

Your journey to breaking free requires taking that first step. LadderOut makes it easy with AI-powered tools that you can customize to your specific needs. 

To get started, take our free private test to learn more about your pornography addiction.

Structure up your strategy

  • Triggers

    Things that trigger urges in you.

  • Blockers

    Things you can do ahead of time, that make it harder to do the unwanted behavior

  • Breakers

    Things you can do in moments you are actually experiencing urges

  • Skills

    Alternate behaviors that you will do instead

Gear up your fight with extensions

Daily Check-in

Recovery Plan

Skills Page

Weekly Check-in

Monthly Check-in

Support Person

Relapse Help

Statistics

Stress Chart