Every relationship goes through tough times. Moments of concern over intimacy or arguments over perceived interest in other people can spark conflict in a relationship. But sometimes these problems can point to a bigger issue of pornography addiction.
What is Pornography Addiction?
A pornography addiction is a behavioral addiction with an ever-increasing compulsion to view erotic behaviors and images to sexually excite oneself. In past times, one would need to buy and hide a magazine or video to engage in this behavioral addiction. Then late night television increased access to pornography. Today with the ease of internet access, those addicted to pornography can access and view these behaviors at any time without leaving a trace of the addiction to be found. This makes strange behaviors even more troublesome to concerned partners as no evidence of a problem can be found.
Studies estimate the international consumption of pornography ranges from 50-99% of men and 30-86% of women. With access to porn widely available via smartphones in industrialized societies, is it any wonder their divorce rates are also higher? In the United States, 47% of families site pornography as a problem per Focus on the Family Poll in 2003. The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers sited internet use as a significant factor in divorces during the same year.
It is time to recognize the signs of pornography addiction so couples can resolve the issue and save marriages.
Eight Signs of Pornography Addiction
The following eight signs indicate a pornography addiction.
- Social Interaction Decreases: Your partner becomes more isolated, spending time away from social activities without explanation.
- Sexually Unresponsive: Your partner is not interested in sex or unable to become aroused when you start sex. Your partner requires more stimulation and you feel unsatisfied after intimacy.
- Demanding or Rough Sex: Your partner is pressuring you for sexual activities that are physically or emotionally uncomfortable. Your partner’s sexual language has changed and makes you feel objectified.
- Intimacy Declines: Your partner is emotionally distant during sex and outside the bedroom. You no longer feel emotionally connected.
- Critical Comments: Your partner has become critical of your appearance or makes abusive sexual comments.
- Defensive Behavior: When you ask your partner about critical or illusive behaviors, your partner gets defensive or starts an unrelated argument to avoid your questions.
- Increased Internet Activity: Your partner spends long hours on the internet even during normal family time. Your partner may open separate bank accounts or credit cards to hide spending habits.
- Change in Personality: Your partner’s personality has changed to moody and distracted. Your partner has trouble calming down or sleeping, spending even more time on the computer. Your partner may even complain about neck, back, and wrist problems from excessive computer use.
Keep in mind that while these signs can point to a pornography addiction, one or two signs may only mean your partner is experiencing temporary stress. But the more signs are present, the more likely your partner is struggling with an addiction to porn.
Treatment for Pornography Addiction
Pornography addiction is a compulsive behavior addiction and must be treated by changing behaviors and thoughts. Once your partner admits a porn addiction, couples therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy should be employed to save the relationship and change addictive behaviors. This therapy can be done in an outpatient environment. Both you and your partner will need to be open and honest about the addiction and emotional responses. Only through honesty can healing begin.
Looking for Pornography Addiction Treatment?
If you or your partner is struggling with pornography addiction, call Northlake Recovery at (561)-770-6616. We offer outpatient services to help you take control of addictive behaviors and heal your intimate relationships. Call today!
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