What is Online Porn Addiction?
The definition of porn addiction* can vary depending on the source, but two of the main components that are commonly agreed upon are an inability to stop watching pornography and relational, occupational, educational, or personal problems that arise due to the inability to stop watching.
Porn Addiction History
Unlike other modern technology addictions, porn addiction has followed a similar theoretical trajectory to substance use addictions. Both began with moralistic theories that viewed substance use and pornography viewing as immoral or a “sin.” Proponents of a moralistic stance often advocate for controlling the pornography addiction more likely to take abstinence-based approaches, viewing success in terms of ceasing to watch pornography entirely.
The conflict that can arise from believing that pornography use is immoral has led researchers to identify one of the main sources of distress for those seeking help for problematic pornography watching – moral incongruence. Moral incongruence occurs when a person feels that their values and behaviors do not align. In the case of pornography addiction, some people may feel that their personal values or beliefs are incongruent with their pornography watching behaviors, leading them to feel guilty about their use. This feeling is much less likely to occur with other modern technology addictions, as people rarely view video game playing, social media use, or binge-watching as “immoral.”
With time, theories centered on porn addiction began to follow a similar trajectory to other technology addictions. The moral stance shifted to a more medical view aimed at developing clinical diagnoses to treat what some might consider a “disease.” This perspective was heavily popularized by Patrick Carnes in the early 1980’s, as he felt that pornography addiction was nearly identical to substance addictions. Critics of the medical model argue that it overly focuses on neurology and often ignores environmental, psychological, and societal factors that often play a role in the formation of porn addiction problems. More recent theories often incorporate these variables, such as BERSC Model that assesses biological, emotional, relational, social, and cultural factors related to pornography watching (Hall, 2011).
Porn Addiction Help
Seeking help for pornography addiction can be difficult for many people due to fear of judgement. Because of this, one should consider finding a therapist who makes them feel comfortable and respected.
Couples who are having relational difficulties due to pornography viewing often benefit from couples therapy with a marriage and family therapist. These types of therapists are trained in working with couples, which can be useful for client’s and partners who feel that pornography watching has negatively impacted their relationship (e.g., “my husband is addicted to porn”).
Porn Addiction Therapy
Therapy for porn addiction can vary due to theoretical approach. A therapist practicing from a medical model will be more likely to view pornography addiction as a “disease” or “disorder” whose symptoms can be mitigated with psychopharmacology (prescription drugs) or individualized treatment such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. Comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression, and low impulse control may also be targeted for treatment to reduce distress and help the afflicted person gain more control of their use.
Those working more from a systemic orientation will likely view problematic pornography use as the result of a variety factors within the client’s life. Family dynamics, past and current relationships, work-life balance, spirituality, and culture are a few of many things that could be explored to get a better understanding of potential solutions that will work for each unique client.
Contact The Center for Technology Wellness for Your Free Online Pornography Addiction Consultation Today!
At the Center for Technology Wellness, we take an integrative approach that incorporates elements from individual and systemic theories. We do not assume that a reduction of pornography watching will be a treatment goal (unless the client requests that). We begin with an assessment of “green, yellow, and red zone” use to differentiate aspects of pornography watching that the client deems healthy, cautionary, and unhealthy. After determining which aspects of their viewing is causing them distress, a treatment plan can be developed to address each client’s specific and unique concerns.
Treatment can include reducing internal conflict that may arise if a person believes that their pornography use doesn’t align with their personal or religious values. By exploring emotional, relational, and cultural factors, clients may acquire more insight into what psychological needs are being fulfilled by watching pornography and what actions might need to be taken to reduce stress. Some clients may benefit from simply reframing their pornography use as an “addiction” to a leisure activity. Others may need more extensive treatment that considers environmental cues that lead to problematic use and skills that can help the client better control their urges. Regardless of the treatment plans or interventions, clients will be provided with a no-judgement environment to improve their relationship with pornography, whatever that means for them.
*The term “addiction” in relation to technology is controversial amongst researchers and clinicians. Although some are attempting to use terms “addiction” and “disorder” to describe problematic usage of technology to develop scales and diagnoses for clinical settings, others contend that these terms are inappropriate for several reasons (e.g., they could stigmatize people, they mislead people into thinking substance addictions are identical to technology addictions).
These terms are used on this site because it is the language that most people commonly use when seeking information and help on this topic. At the Center for Technology Wellness, we use the preferred terminology of our clients, whether it includes more diagnostic terms like “addiction” and “disorder,” or simple descriptions provided by our clients (e.g., “I feel like I’m watching Tik Tok too much”).
