Are You Hooked on Porn? by Stanley Ducharme, Ph.D. Over the last decade, pornography has infiltrated our culture like never before. Researchers at the University of Montreal have now estimated that single men, on average, watch pornography three times a week for 40 minutes each time. Those men who are in committed relationships watch it on average 1.7 times per week for 20 minutes each time. They estimate that 90% of this is consumed on the internet while 10% comes from video stores With studies such as this, The American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM) affirms that pornography viewing can be addicting and can result in neurological and chemical changes in the brain. They report that pornography viewing “mimics” sexual intimacy in that it causes the brain and other parts of the body to release endogenous chemicals, such as dopamine, that produce a rewarding experience for the individual. For many pornography users, what started out as “recreational” can quickly turn into an addiction. The brain forms habits with the greatest of ease. When the brain experiences the tidal wave of chemicals triggered by pornography and sexual stimulation it immediately sets up a mental model and the foundation for a habit. The cycle keeps repeating itself and becoming stronger each time. We all have the brain reward circuits that make food and sex pleasurable. In the healthy brain, these rewards have feedback mechanisms that tell us that we have had enough. In the person with an addiction, the message to the individual becomes “more” which leads to an endless pursuit of rewards and relief through the use of alcohol, drugs or addictive behaviors. With all addictions, including pornography, the brain undergoes physical changes in response to addictive behaviors. The next time the person experiences boredom, anxiety or stress, the brain can replicate this powerful habit more easily and more quickly. Once these connections have been made, the brain fights against any changes that will reduce this flood of pleasurable chemicals in the brain. Today’s pornography has the power to override the natural safety mechanisms in most brains. Instead of saying “enough” the dysfunctional brain wants more and is never satisfied. The brain craves more and more of these endogenous chemicals and the person has a much more difficult time in stopping. For many people, porn viewing can go on for hours or for an entire night. The result can be a lack of mental clarity or what some people have described as “brain fog”. With respect to pornography, it’s not the time spent viewing porn or what you’re looking at that determines whether your brain has changed. Instead it’s other patterns of behavior such as the inability to avoid porn, cravings, poor impulse control and problems with controlling emotions and dealing effectively with one’s problems. For a number of reasons, people with anxiety are especially vulnerable to the addictive nature of pornography. The internet and pornography are always accessible and don’t involve the emotional challenges and stress sometimes associated with dating and meeting new people. With the computer, rejection is not such an issue. The computer is always there. It offers the individual a fantasy relationship which may resemble having a romantic partner. For many people, the ease of cybersex may seem like a good solution for a sexual release. Unfortunately in the long run however, it may lead to long term issues of isolation, boredom and depression. Cybersex may seem to fill the void of loneliness. Ultimately, however it intensifies the problem. It can lead to increased isolation and a disconnection from other people. For an emotional perspective, the use of cybersex can seem attractive during difficult psychological times. It can distract us from worries, insecurities and painful feelings that we would rather avoid. Concerns about body image or fears of rejection are non existent in the virtual world. Over time however, social anxieties can multiply and relationships in the real world can become more difficult. Finding Help with Porn It can be difficult to get help with issues around pornography because of the guilt, shame and secrecy involved with its use. Once a person does decide to quit, few people are prepared for the difficulty in stopping and the strong cravings of the brain for more chemicals associated with pleasure. Habits such as the use of pornography are the result of a chemical reaction in the brain. With continued use, the individual develops a dependency on a very powerful chemical process. It is not unlike the person who struggles with cigarettes, alcohol or a drug of some form. The body craves the pleasure and chemical rush associated with the habit. Without these chemicals, the body begins to experience symptoms of withdrawal. These often include irritability, anxiousness or depression. Moods such as these are the body’s reaction to the lack of rewarding brain chemicals. Ultimately, recovery from these addictions involves reversing these chemical changes. The first step, like with other addictions, is admitting the problem to yourself and making a decision that this is not what you want in your life. Although putting filters on a computer may be initially helpful, eliminating cybersex from your life has to be something that comes from the inside. It has to be a personal commitment to stop and to find other more healthy outlets. It is also important to know that you are not alone in this battle with pornography. It is estimated in the US alone that over 60 million people, including men, women and children, are caught up in internet pornography at some level. Nevertheless, many people are beating this addiction every day. They do this by getting support and finding other ways of handling stress or boredom. A good starting place is confiding in your doctor, counselor, partner, friend or family member. Work on developing strategies to use at times when you face a trigger or a craving. No craving will last forever. However, you need a plan or a support person to turn to when the craving is at its worse. In conclusion, stopping these types of addictions are very difficult but they are possible. This is not simply a bad habit. It is a physical dependency on various brain chemicals that produce a rewarding feeling in the body. Overcoming this craving requires the individual to develop a plan of attack and to identify triggers. The good news is, just like with any other addiction, there is a logical way out. Back to Articles