Do you confide in the pleasure of porn more than usual? An occasional indulgence may cause no harm. But when watching porn starts to come in the way of your social and sexual well-being, it becomes problematic.
Are You a Porn Addict?
It is crucial to understand when an act of momentary gratification becomes an issue that may cause you to lose self control. The following signs will help you understand if you have a porn addiction problem:
- Intrusive thoughts about porn – This is when you get an urge to watch porn or can’t stop thinking about it.
- Effecting your relationships – Watching porn leads you to ignore your loved ones and makes you lose interest in actual sex.
- Avoiding social engagements – You are constantly avoiding social engagements only to watch porn.
- Can’t stop watching – You can’t stop watching porn even after constant efforts.
Negative Impact of Porn Addiction on Life
Porn addiction can negatively affect your overall sexual well-being, such as loss of sex drive or erectile dysfunction.
According to a survey, 23% of men under the age of 35 years who watched porn regularly faced erectile dysfunction while having sex. Watching porn excessively creates the hormone of dopamine in large quantities, which may result in unresponsiveness while having actual sex.
Another porn disadvantage is that it leads to a misleading perception of intimacy and the act of sex. People begin to associate attraction and pleasure with visual graphics rather than with their partners. Additionally, it can lead to the common problem of nightfall and premature ejaculation.
Also Read: What Is Over Masturbation? And it's Side-Effects?
How to Stop Watching Porn?
Following are some ways to help you get over your porn addiction:
1. Plan Ahead
Conscious planning in trying to quit porn is necessary. Monitor yourself in your daily routine and try to identify the triggers that are leading you to watch porn. Plan ahead to step out of your comfort zone and fight the urge whenever you feel aroused to watch porn.
2. Change Your Surroundings
Environment plays an important role in triggering your thoughts and habits. Surround yourself with things that induce positive thinking and actions, such as reading books, watering plants, going for a walk, etc.
3. Explore Your Sexuality in Other Ways
Explore your sexuality in other ways. Talk to your partner if they are open to experimenting. Else, explore your sexuality by yourself using your hands or sex toys.
4. Use a Porn Blocker on Your Web Browser
Software developments like porn blockers block automatic porn pop-ups and their dedicated websites and related content. Install a porn blocker in your web browser so that you have a barrier whenever you feel the urge to open a porn site.
5. Try Meditation
Meditation helps you disengage from your thoughts and emotions. Redirecting intrusive thoughts about porn to the rhythm of your breathing helps the person in calmly analysing their train of thoughts without necessarily acting upon them.
6. Engage in Physical Activity
Engaging in physical activities, such as running, cycling and swimming, can significantly boost mental well-being. It creates a positive mindset and leads to better control over your actions.
7. Spend Quality Time With Your Loved Ones
Invest yourself in building stronger relationships with your family and friends. Plan to hang out with your friends or schedule a dinner with your family. More rewarding experiences with loved ones will help in reducing the urge to indulge in porn.
8. Join a Support Group
You are not the only one facing an addiction. There are many people out there who are tangled in a spiral of bad habits and are looking to quit. Join a support group to find other people in the same situation that you can lean on for support.
9. Accept Yourself
Resisting your shortcomings magnifies them. It is important to understand who you are in the present moment and accept all of yourself, and then work towards building an ‘ideal self’.
10. Try CBT or ACT Therapy
Psychotherapies of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be helpful in porn addiction treatment. CBT aims to recognise negative thoughts and behaviours and change them, while ACT manages the symptoms and urges of an addiction.
Is Porn Addiction Treatable?
With self-determination and a little help, porn addiction treatment is possible. One should not feel ashamed in seeking help to get over an addiction. If you are finding it difficult to quit porn by yourself, then seek the help of a porn addiction counsellor to help you get over your addiction.
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