Published on 04 December 2024
Do you feel like porn is taking up a significant part of your life? It can be quite frustrating, affecting your life and relationships. That’s a problem that many men face which can get out of control quickly. If you find that hours of your time are spent viewing porn, the next question you might want to ask yourself is “Am I addicted to porn?”
Being addicted to porn is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it’s estimated that 11 percent of men are addicted to porn, according to a study done by Bowling Green State University. Although many professionals believe that number might be higher, since there is so much shame involved around porn that people don’t want to admit it out in the open.
So the question becomes, how do you know if you truly have a problem? If you are even asking yourself the question, am I addicted to porn, the simple answer may be yes. Obviously, you have some concerns about it, or you wouldn’t be thinking of that question. It’s okay though. There is help, but first let’s look at some scenarios for the question. Am I addicted to porn? Hopefully, this will help you find an answer to the question. See if you identify with some of these 7 situations in your own life when confronted with porn.
There are not only questions you can ask yourself about porn, but there are also signs you can look for. See what you identify by using these questions, which will indicate signs of a porn addiction.
This is a big one. If you have tried to stop watching porn over and over again, but haven’t been successful, then you may be addicted to porn. It can be very frustrating because when your usage becomes more than you can control, it’s time to seek out professional help. Many people cannot be porn free without help. Keep in mind how prevalent porn truly is. It’s estimated that 12 percent of websites offer some type of porn, viewed by 69 percent of men and 40 percent of women each year.
If you tend to feel guilt, shame, or remorse after watching porn, that’s a problem. It’s also detrimental to your well-being if you feel some type of depression after watching porn. These cycles affect your mental health and may indicate that you are addicted to porn.
When you have to lie or hide your porn use from your partner, and other people in your life, that is a sign of an addiction. Addicts lie and hide. It’s just a fact of addiction, no matter what the person is addicted to, whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or even porn.
Thinking about porn all day or planning the next time you can be alone with porn is a concern. If it’s occupying that much space in your brain, it might be preventing you from doing other things that are healthier for you. Or it might be taking time away from the people in your life you are close to.
By not doing other things in your life that you used to enjoy because porn has replaced them is a sign. If you aren’t doing your normal hobbies and activities since porn takes up too much time, then it’s time to figure out why that is happening. The sad fact is that porn can take over your life rather quickly, eating up the time you could be doing other beneficial things.
This can include watching porn at work or school when you are not supposed to. There are negative consequences when you are viewing porn in places you shouldn’t, like you could get fired from your job. Or what if you are watching porn in a public place? That's not a good idea either. It’s worth exploring how to fix that issue.
When you find that you aren’t turned on by your partner anymore, because you are too caught up in the images you see in porn, that might be a sign of a true porn addiction. Porn can create an emotional distance between you and your real-life partner. Plus, your partner can feel resentful or distrustful of the time you spend watching porn. Porn isn't helping your relationship, it's just hurting it.
There are things you can start doing right away to steer yourself away from watching porn. Some of these involve making healthier lifestyle habits, while others can actually physically keep you away from porn.
Install anti-porn software such as MindMolt on your computers and smartphone.
Spend time with friends and family.
Get a new hobby or activity you enjoy.
Find other ways to cope with depression and anxiety, like exercising.
Make a list of positive things that happen when not watching porn.
Trust a friend to hold you accountable who you can talk to.
If you are truly concerned that you are addicted to porn, then taking these steps will start you on the road to healing. The benefits you’ll receive will make it all worth it. You’ll be closer to your partner, have less depression, and won’t spend hours a day watching something that isn’t beneficial to you. Being aware of your porn addiction is actually the first step. So the fact that you’ve made it this far reading about your possible porn addiction is very positive.
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