7 Valuable Do's And Don'ts After Discovering Your Partner's Sex Addiction

When you find out about your partner's sex addiction, the dominant emotion you may feel is shock. Of course, you're also likely to experience confusion, sadness, fear, anger, and betrayal. Likewise, you may get stuck in a state of denial. In an instant, it may seem like your world flipped upside-down. Like many, you may be struggling to comprehend or accept the reality of your partner's sex addiction.

There are many ways to respond to your partner; some may be helpful, and some not so much. Ideally, the goal is to get through to your partner in an effective way. Likewise, you deserve to know you are not to blame for their choices. Sex addiction comes with a unique set of challenges that can be difficult to overcome.

Let's highlight 7 valuable do's and don'ts that you may find helpful after discovering your partner has a sex addiction.

What is Sex Addiction?

According to Webmd.com, sex addiction is the lack of control over sexual urges, thoughts, and impulses. Sex addiction also refers to excessive sexual behaviors that are negatively impacting a person's life. The problem, however, is that defining excessive can be subjective. At the same time, culture or societal norms may dictate acceptable behaviors. Therefore, there remains controversy surrounding the definition or diagnosis of sex addiction.

Another indicator of sex addiction is when the compulsion to respond to an impulse outweighs any risk or consequence. Often, a person with this addiction will try to stop but realize they cannot. Likewise, over time behaviors may become more frequent, intense, or risky as the body naturally builds up a tolerance to the stimulus.

7 Powerful Do's and Don'ts if Your Partner has a Sex Addiction

  1. Do set boundaries and hold them. A relationship with a partner who has a sex addiction comes with unique challenges. Therefore, it will be vital to determine boundaries and consequences, such as requiring your partner to attend therapy.
  2. Do follow through with consequences. When it comes to addiction, sometimes hitting rock bottom leads to recovery. Following through with consequences may serve as motivation to reach and maintain sobriety.
  3. Do seek support for yourself. Having a partner who has a sex addiction can feel lonely and isolating. Likewise, a solid support system may help you manage the emotional distress you're facing.
  4. Consider therapy. Seeing a professional sex therapist who works with addiction may be the best gift you can give yourself. Likewise, they can provide helpful tools, insight, and best practices to help you through this journey.
  5. Do consider getting tested for STDs. In addition to taking care of your mental health, your physical health is also crucial. Getting a screening is vital so that you know what you may be dealing with.
  6. Don't believe that sex will fix the problem. Offering more frequent or certain types of sex will not cure your partner's addiction. Likewise, remember neither you nor your actions are to blame for your partner's choices.
  7. Don't get caught in the spiral of "what if." The reality of addiction is it's not about you. Your partner makes choices based on satisfying their addiction. As a result, they'll engage in behaviors regardless of anything you may or may not do. Partners of sex addicts can easily fall into the vicious cycle of asking "What if" questions. So, try to avoid the trap of questions such as:

    • What if I would have
    • If only I looked
    • What if I'm more
    • What if I spent less time

Where can I find help for my partner's sex addiction?

At Paradise Creek Recovery Center, we specialize in sex addiction treatment. Likewise, we aim to include partners on the journey to recovery. You deserve help and support as you face the difficult journey that lies ahead.

Contact us today to learn more about the treatment plans we offer.

The Spooky Myths of Sexual Addiction You Should Know About

Halloween will be here quickly, so it seems fitting to talk about some of the spooky myths of sexual addiction. For example, one of the myths we'll tackle is that women do not face sex addiction. While it's predominantly a male issue, women can definitely develop a sexual addiction.

Another myth we'll discuss is that sexual addiction is just a term people use to describe those who crave sex. Although it's not in the DSM, research seems to be gaining momentum. Studies indicate sexual addiction activates the reward system in the brain the same way many other addictions do. Thus, showing the process is similar to that of other addictions. Likewise, we know the effects of sex addiction can be as devastating as other addictions.

Let's talk a little bit more about some of the myths of sexual addiction.

Scary Myths of Sexual Addiction

One myth is that sexual addiction is simply a way for people to say they love and crave sex. However, this isn't true. Sexual addiction often forms, like other addictions, around emotions. It can creep into your life and take control long before you realize it's happening.

Often, addiction stems from an emotional imbalance and a desire to satisfy it. Examples can include boredom, depression, anxiety, stress, fear, or feelings of inadequacy or lack of love or acceptance. Regarding sexual addiction, the need is fulfilled by a sexual act of some sort. Then, when the need arises again, it's easy for the brain to crave the same sexual behavior to fulfill it. Over time, these behaviors become more compulsive as the addiction takes form.

Now that we know women develop sexual addictions, let's address a few more of these myths regarding women. First is the myth that sex addiction is all about being sexually intimate. In reality, the issues revolve around emotions. For men and women alike, it's common for the addiction to start to form by viewing pornography. It can lead to infidelity and then to riskier behaviors to fulfill compulsive needs.

Common reasons women develop sex addiction include a desperate need for love, affection, and acceptance. For many, being sought after or wanted for sexual behaviors can drown out feelings of abandonment. Hence, risky sexual compulsions meet and fulfill emotional needs.

For more information regarding women and sex addiction, you can read our blog post here.

Another myth is that sex addiction, and porn addiction are the same thing. Although they have many similarities, the specific addictive behaviors are what make them different.

Where Can I Get Help for My Sexual Addiction?

If you are living with sexual addiction, the scariest thing may be your reality that you can't stop. However, if you're ready to get help, there are options available.

At Paradise Creek Recovery Center, we work with clients who live with sex and porn addictions every day. We would love to work with you and help you recover for life. Call us today.

Discovering the Painful Relationship Between Infidelity and Addiction

Infidelity is when one breaks a commitment of trust with their partner. When it happens in the movies, we see people move through the process of the betrayal within an hour and a half's time. Yet, in reality, one may never heal. What drives a partner to a place where they'll break trust? What role, if any, does addiction play in infidelity?

An article by Psychology Today says that statistics regarding infidelity may be shocking. In fact, they say 57% of men and 54% of women admit to infidelity. A multitude of variables can contribute to what leads another to cheat or break their commitment. Among the list, research indicates addiction is a common denominator to adultery and vice versa.

Let's discuss the unhealthy relationship between addiction and infidelity.

What are Examples of Infidelity?

By definition, infidelity is the act of being unfaithful to a partner with whom there is a level of commitment and trust. Likewise, it can include both sexual and emotional encounters. However, what one couple defines as inappropriate behavior can differ significantly from another. As such, it's important to discuss and determine what cheating or infidelity may look like within your relationship.

The behaviors that can lead to a betrayal of trust can also vary. For example, many would consider the following actions as cheating:

There are many more circumstances that can lead to feelings of betrayal or rejection within a relationship. As such, it's a good idea to sit down with your partner and communicate your expectations to one another.

The Ugly Relationship Between Infidelity and Addiction

Lies and secrecy can quickly spiral out of control. Addiction seems to accelerate these behaviors. For example, porn and sex addictions can lead to infidelity. The problem with addiction is your brain builds up a tolerance to behaviors that lead to a release of endorphins. As a result, actions tend to become riskier in order to satisfy a craving. Over time, those actions could very well lead you to infidelity.

Addiction is when you're trapped in a cycle of behaviors you can't seem to escape, even if you want to. When triggers come, it may seem as though nothing else matters. As a result, you may find yourself engaging in sexual relations outside of your relationship and wonder how you've ended up in such a place. Although the road to healing and recovery is challenging, there is a way to turn your life around.

Ultimately, whether the betrayal is a deal-breaker or not will be something you and your partner decide. Keep in mind; there are many therapists who specialize in treatment for porn and sex addiction. Many also work with couples to help them through the painful process of healing after infidelity.

At Paradise Creek Recovery Center, we know the heartache and turmoil infidelity and addiction have on relationships. We're here to help you through the process of healing and recovery. Please, call us today.

The Interesting Link Between Porn Addiction and Depression

Research surrounding porn addiction is limited. Although studies indicate a link between porn addiction and depression, there isn't enough evidence to prove it. However, the lack of an official diagnosis is one reason why there's a lack of funding for research.

According to Medical News Today, there are not enough specific criteria to identify the addiction as a mental health issue. Likewise, there's no conclusive evidence to link issues like depression and porn addiction. However, there does seem to be a consistent correlation between the two.

Let's discuss what we may know about depression and porn addiction.

Porn Addiction and Depression

In this article by Medical News Today, they discuss various studies that connect porn use and depression. In fact, they cite studies that indicate viewing porn may lead to symptoms of depression. For example, in a 2019 study, depression seems to increase the risk of addiction among those who view it to escape emotions.

There seems to be an interesting connection between depression and prolonged exposure. A 2017 study found 14.6% of those who view porn more than three times a week reported symptoms of depression. In contrast, 2.8% of those viewing pornography less than once a week reported symptoms. Furthermore, they retested, adding in improved physical activity and sleep patterns. However, the correlation between the frequency of pornography use and depression remained. As a result, the study concluded more frequent use of pornography leads to an increase in negative emotions.

Another key factor connecting pornography and depression is personal beliefs. For example, those who feel viewing pornography is morally wrong are more likely to experience shame and guilt after doing so. As a result, they are more likely to develop symptoms of anxiety and depression.

So, what is the most interesting link between porn addiction and depression?

The reality is, we simply do not have conclusive, scientific proof. As a taboo subject, porn addiction makes the process of gathering data for research more difficult. Between cultural differences and a lack of evidence, porn addiction may remain controversial for some time.

However, we do know many people struggle with an inability to control urges to view pornography and are desperate to stop. This is what makes porn addiction real and destructive. As the brain builds up a tolerance, content tends to be more explicit, and behaviors may become more risky. The good news is, treatment may help you escape from the vicious cycle of addiction.

Interestingly enough, there is a wide variety of therapeutic approaches to help with porn addiction. Even without a clear definition or formal diagnosis, treatment centers are widely available. All around the world, therapists are eager to help clients get their life back. Reaching and maintaining recovery is possible.

If you are eager to overcome your porn addiction, we may be able to help. Paradise Creek Recovery Center is a world-class residential treatment center. We specialize in sex and porn addiction treatment. We're here to help you acquire new skills and tools. Likewise, we want to help restore hope and peace in your life. Call us today.

The Unique Way Sexual Addiction Treatment May Help With Your Recovery

There are many reasons why and benefits of going to a rehab center. However, let's talk about why it might be the first serious step towards sexual addiction recovery.

By design, treatment centers can help those with an addiction to sex, porn, and substances. The main goal of a rehabilitation center is to provide you with a controlled, safe environment as you work through issues and acquire new skills. Like many, you may not recognize you're no longer in control of your life. Oftentimes, going to treatment involves a family intervention to help encourage a loved one to seek help. Sexual addiction treatment is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to help addicts get their life back.

Let's discuss why a sexual addiction treatment center may be the first step of your journey toward recovery.

Why should I enter a sexual addiction rehabilitation program?

We live in a world where technology is ever-present. As a result, this can have a profound effect on our intimate lives. It seems like we are constantly plugged in and using phones for the majority of the day. However, this significantly increases the accessibility to fuel addictions, including sexual addiction.

Our center provides a safe environment that will address these severe outside distractions. At the same time, it allows you to focus on moving towards healing and living in recovery. Likewise, without all the distractions, you're more likely to learn the skills you need to overcome your sexual addiction. So, are you ready to take the first step toward recovery by enrolling in our sexual addiction treatment program?

Paradise Creek specializes in sexual addiction.

When we say that Paradise Creek Recovery Center wants to help you beat your addiction, we mean it. Our staff has over 50 years of combined experience in treating those who are battling sexual addiction. We do this through inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings.

Like alcohol or drug programs, sex addiction requires unique strategies and tools specific to this type of addiction. Paradise Creek Recovery Center is known for its work with pornography and sexual addiction. Our approach utilizes specific strategies to treat these addictions. As a result, many clients find themselves living healthier lives while in recovery.

Here's what you'll find:

Specialized Sexual Addiction Treatment

Sex addicts come from different life situations and have different levels of addiction. Unlike many counseling programs, treatment at Paradise Creek can offer customized care.

24/7 Care

Our facility is in a quiet, rural location that allows you to get away from everyday distractions. As a result, you're able to truly focus on your recovery.

In-Depth Assessment of Your Mental Health

A mental health professional will go through a complete assessment with you. During this process, you may discover your sexual addiction stems from other issues. For example, you may have co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, OCD, or impulse control disorders. Then, we combine your assessment results with your needs and goals to develop your unique treatment plan.

Paradise Creek Recovery Center has the know-how you need to get your life back.

Paradise Creek Recovery Center is a residential sexual addiction treatment center that aims to help you find hope and heal. At Paradise Creek Recovery Center, you can learn how to:

If you, or someone you love, has a sexual addiction, now is the time to get help. No matter who you are, sex addiction is a dangerous vice and one that should be properly treated with the help of a licensed professional.

Please contact us today for more information about our programs.

3 Helpful Ways to Support Your Spouse Entering an Addiction Treatment Center

Without a doubt, having a loved one in an addiction treatment center can be a rewarding and challenging situation. Now will be a good time to begin working through your healing process. But, what else will be vital to you and your spouse's success?

Although you're aware of the difficult task at hand, you feel comfortable standing by your spouse through this process. So, what is your role as your spouse enters an addiction treatment center? Is there anything you can do that may increase the chances of a successful outcome?

In this article, we'll discuss your role as your spouse prepares to enter an addiction treatment center.

Going to an addiction treatment center requires a leap of faith that can be frightening.

When your spouse agrees to seek help, you may feel reluctant to celebrate. After all, you've had commitments that have led to relapse time and time again. As such, you may not allow yourself to get your hopes up.

Likewise, entering an addiction treatment center can be frightening and full of uncertainty. On the contrary, it may provide reason to feel hopeful and optimistic. After all, it's often said admitting that the addiction is controlling your life and you need help is the hardest step. So, taking the next step to do something about it is could be a sign that this time could be different.

What is your role in helping make the addiction center experience successful?

We often hear, "The only thing you can control is yourself." and it's true. Now, with your spouse in treatment, you can spend some much-needed time on you. For example, now would be a great time to embrace self-care and focus on the healing process for yourself and your family.

Next, it won't be hard for you to recognize old behaviors that could signal a relapse. With that in mind, determine what boundaries will need to be set and the consequences that will follow.

Finally, identify areas you can improve. This may include ways you can refine your communication skills. Likewise, it may be working on restoring your self-esteem or self-confidence. It could consist of finding a hobby that you enjoy or working on wholehearted healing. All of these can contribute to a successful outcome after your spouse leaves the addiction treatment center.

3 Ways to Show Support While Your Spouse is in an Addiction Treatment Center

A key component of recovery is a solid support system. Examples include online support groups, outpatient therapy, and family support.

Let's discuss 3 ways you can show support through the addiction treatment center program and at home.

Prepare a Plan

The risk of relapse is high after leaving an addiction treatment center. So, preparing clear boundaries and consequences is an important part of the relapse prevention plan. A plan that includes new routines may also be helpful. Your therapist may also provide ideas to include in your plan.

Participate in Their Rehabilitation.

Your spouse's addiction treatment center program likely includes family therapy sessions. An essential part of your partner's recovery will be your ability to help carry out a new way of life together. As such, both of you will need new tools and strategies to turn to as you move forward together.

By participating, you can learn what to expect after the addiction treatment center. You may also learn skills to help you learn how to offer support while also getting your needs met.

Gain understanding, clarity, and compassion.

Understanding can lead to compassion and empathy. Life before treatment was likely emotionally and physically exhausting. As a result, you may have built up feelings of anger and resentment, and understandably so. Therefore, your ability to work through your feelings can allow both of you to find compassion for each other. Empathy helps create an environment conducive to healing.

The task at hand is not an easy one. Supporting a loved one at an addiction treatment center has its challenges. At Paradise Creek Treatment Center, we incorporate family participation into our program. We understand the unique and vital role you play in your spouse's success. We look forward to working with both of you on this journey toward recovery.

Why It's a Great Idea to Process Betrayal Trauma While Your Spouse Is in Rehab

If your partner recently started a rehab program, now is that time to focus on yourself. Is it selfish to shift your focus to your own healing and recovery? The answer is no. On the contrary, now is a great time to focus on processing your betrayal trauma so you can heal and get your life back.

In the upcoming weeks or months, you may not hear from your spouse as much, and that is okay. In fact, you may be feeling a sense of relief that they're getting the help they need for their addiction. So, what can you do to prepare for life after treatment? One of the best things you can do is process your betrayal trauma. As you focus on your needs, you'll likely discover you become a better version of yourself.

In this article, we'll discuss why it's a great idea to focus on healing your betrayal trauma while your spouse is in rehab.

It's a Great Idea to Process Your Betrayal Trauma Right Now.

Living with a spouse who has an addiction can be a traumatic experience. For example, betrayal often accompanies addiction, especially if you happen to discover it on your own. As a result, you may be living with many symptoms of betrayal trauma.

When your spouse enters into a treatment center, it can leave you wondering what your relationship will look like after rehab. As you plan to move into a supportive role, it will be equally important to ensure your needs are met. Therefore, working on yourself can be vital to both you and your spouse's success. Processing your betrayal trauma can help you return to a sense of normalcy. Through therapy, you can work toward alleviating your symptoms and improving your mental health.

Focusing on your mental and physical health is a great way to prepare to welcome your spouse home from inpatient treatment. Living with someone who has an addiction is not easy, and you deserve to heal. Likewise, with help, you can acquire the knowledge and skills you'll need to help yourself and your spouse enjoy life in recovery. However, if you're living with betrayal trauma after your spouse arrives home, it may inhibit recovery success.

Shifting Your Focus to Healing Betrayal Trauma While Your Spouse Works Toward Recovery

Whether the program lasts 30 days, or a year, through treatment, your spouse will be gaining valuable skills to aid life in recovery. What about you, though?

Addiction is a disease that affects everyone in the family. However, families don't always seek treatment for their own healing. As such, they miss out on the skills, tools, and strategies they need as they transition to a new way of life. Yet, with everyone working toward improving, relationships can heal. As a result, the odds of successful recovery also increase.

By focusing on yourself and healing from betrayal trauma, you're able to work through issues that may hold you back otherwise. Likewise, processing your betrayal trauma may help you work through problems that you may be unaware of right now.

What are the symptoms of betrayal trauma?

Living with betrayal trauma can negatively impact you in many ways. For example, you could be living with symptoms such as:

Keep in mind; there are many ways to support your spouse after they enter rehab. However, self-care is the best way you'll be able to help. By taking care of yourself, you'll be able to offer the best support possible. Remember, it isn't selfish to take care of your needs. In fact, working through your betrayal trauma may be the key to setting the two of you up for success.

At the Paradise Creek Recovery Center, we believe a large part of addiction recovery success lies within the family's recovery. Therefore, we strive to help families take the necessary steps to prevent relapse. Likewise, we want to help you build a rewarding and healthy life in recovery. Working through your betrayal trauma while your partner works on their addiction is a great way to help both of you reach the goal of recovery.

Revealing the Connection Between Depression and Addiction

You've been living with your addiction for a while now. However, every attempt at rehab or recovery continues to fall short. But why? Could a mental health issue like anxiety or depression be driving your addiction?

Mental health issues are common. Disorders such as depression and anxiety can lead to thoughts and emotions that leave you wanting to escape or numb out. As a result, addictive behaviors have turned into destructive addiction. So, why isn't rehab helping you overcome your addiction for good?

In this article, we'll discuss why depression or anxiety may be keeping you from enjoying the benefits of addiction recovery.

Could Depression Be Driving My Addiction?

Before we discuss if depression could be driving your addiction, let's first define what depression is.

All of us experience bad days. Likewise, we may have periods of sadness, grief, or frustration. However, there's a difference between a few bad days and depression. The key difference is it lasts for at least two weeks. Likewise, symptoms interfere with your ability to function and maintain everyday life. The following are symptoms you may experience daily:

There are many symptoms of depression. Therefore, symptoms can appear differently from person to person. However, a good indication to determine if you're sad or if it may be something more is whether you're able to go to work or engage in social activities. If you're turning to addictive behaviors to bury your emotions, seeking professional support is vital.

The Vicious Cycle of Depression and Addiction

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 10 percent of Americans suffer from depression.

Addiction is common among people who are struggling with depression. For example, you may reach for drugs or alcohol to lift your spirits or numb your emotions. Similarly, you may turn to your porn or sex addiction to combat negative feelings. As a result, addiction and depression follow each other into a vicious cycle—both making a difficult situation worse.

Suppose you have both an addiction and mental health issue. Then, you likely have what's called a dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis is a combination of a mental disorder and an addiction such as sex, drugs, or alcohol.

Depression not only impacts your happiness but can also impact your safety. Likewise, it can weaken your immune system. However, adding addiction to the mix increases the risks to both your physical and emotional health. So, as day-to-day activities become unbearable, turning to porn or sex addiction may seem like the only way to escape. However, it's only temporary. Once the negative feelings return, you find yourself needing to turn to your addiction to quiet your thoughts or numb them out. As a result, the vicious cycle continues.

I May Have An Addiction and Depression, Is There Help For Me?

The good news is, there are specialized treatment centers that can help you address both your addiction and depression. A dual diagnosis can be complex, especially when it involves porn or sex addiction. Addressing both issues will be crucial to interrupting the cycle you're stuck in. For example, if you're unable to address your depression, it's likely to continue to drive your addiction and vice versa. However, with the right help, you can learn the skills necessary to have the enjoyable and hopeful life you deserve.

At Paradise Creek Recovery Center, we understand the importance of addressing all of the issues that may be present. Our therapists are trained to address and treat dual diagnoses. As you work toward recovery from your porn or sex addiction, it will be just as crucial to learn skills to help you manage any mental health issues. We would love to help you on your journey toward hope and healing. Please visit our website or call us to learn more.

The Not So Startling Connection Between Porn Addiction and Infidelity

It all started with curiosity. You never intended your innocent discovery of pornography to lead to infidelity. What's worse, the heartache your spouse feels due to your actions is almost unbearable. So how did you get here, and how can you get out?

People who begin to view porn early in life often have one thing in common; they never imagined it would lead to a destructive addiction. Are you wondering how you're on the brink of losing everything when this started as seemingly harmless entertainment? Is it possible to recover and repair relationships after infidelity?

In this article, we'll talk about why porn and sex addictions can develop so quickly. We'll also talk about the progression of viewing porn to infidelity.

Porn addiction and Infidelity

Enough.org posted alarming statistics from research done by BBFC in 2019. According to their "Youth and Porn Stats," 93.2% of boys and 62.1% of girls have seen online pornography before age 18. Likewise, 72% of 18-year-olds say, "Pornography leads to unrealistic attitudes to sex." Furthermore, "Porn can have a damaging impact on young people's views of sex or relationships." (enough.org) As you can imagine, early exposure can lead to various issues over time, including legal troubles and infidelity.

We know repeated exposure to anything causes desensitization. For example, young children and teens may first feel disgusted. Others may feel curious and want to view more. However, as they continue to view pornography, it can lead to a sense of acceptance or justification, "Everyone is doing it."

The problem is, like other addictions, porn use stimulates the reward system in the brain. After repeated exposure, the same response system requires an increase or a different form of pornography. As you continue to engage, your addiction can turn from viewing soft porn to hard porn. It continues to escalate as the drive for the next 'high' or 'fix' gets harder to obtain. As a result, the perception of sex and intimacy continues to change as the fantasy world and reality collide.

Over time, your addiction enslaves you to sex and pornography as it replaces your relationship. After all, the simple pleasures that come with physical intimacy are no longer enjoyable. Your sex life with your partner becomes boring. You may even feel frustration as your fantasies on the screen differ from the real world. Hence, it's no surprise that, over time, pornography use can lead to infidelity. The bitter truth about addiction is as it takes over, the only thing you can think about is feeding your addiction.

How did I get from viewing porn to committing infidelity?

SmartLoving.org breaks down the connection between pornography, sexual assault, and infidelity. For example, did you know, nearly all sexual assault perpetrators also use porn?

There are also many issues that pornography can lead to. Examples include erectile dysfunction, sleep deprivation, and financial issues. Often times sexual infidelity accompanies or follows pornography use. This could appear as masturbation, phone sex, sex with a prostitute, or infidelity. (smartloving.org)

Viewing Porn Led to Infidelity, What Do I Do Now?

If viewing pornography has turned into an addiction, you may notice a pattern of use. For example, you may view porn if you're feeling depressed, angry, bored, lonely, tired, or just uncomfortable. Likewise, you may be to a point where you're desperate to feel the 'high' your brain has learned to demand. As a result, you may not realize how deep into your addiction you are until you're entertaining or engaging in sexual infidelity.

At Paradise Creek Recovery Center, we understand the beast of sexual addiction. Likewise, we know the path of porn addiction can lead to infidelity. We're here to help you recover. As you begin this journey, you'll have people who understand how you're in the position you are. Call us today to take the first step on your road to recovery.

How Can Innocent Curiosity Lead to a Full Blown Porn Addiction?

Your parents may have worked tirelessly to set up filters and block adult content from making its way onto your screen. Likewise, they may have taught you all the reasons why to avoid pornography. However, years later, you find yourself living with a porn addiction and wondering how this all happened.

As easy access to pornography increases, so does the risk of porn addiction. Through research, we continue to find similarities between porn addiction and other addictions. Research provides insight into why porn addictions may form. As a result, we're learning more about what's behind the powerful force of pornography that keeps addicts entangled in the web of addiction.

In this article, we'll talk about porn addiction. We'll also discuss some of the possibilities that may indicate where your porn addiction began.

What is porn addiction?

Porn addiction is the compulsive urge to view pornography. There's a big difference between porn addiction and viewing pornography, and that's control. For example, you may not want to view porn anymore, but intense thoughts drive you back to view more. Likewise, there may be negative consequences that follow your addictive behaviors, but the risks don't deter you.

One of the main characteristics of any addiction is the inability to control compulsive urges. You want to stop viewing pornography, but you can't. Likewise, when life, or areas of life, become unmanageable without the behavior or substance, it's likely an addiction.

While there is not a specific diagnosis in the DSM, the characteristics and symptoms can be as destructive as any other addiction. Like other addictions, people face the same challenges as they work toward recovery.

The good news is, although the APA doesn't recognize porn addiction, many other professionals and organizations do. As a result, help to regain control of your life may be a few clicks away.

Where Do Porn Addictions Start?

There is a lot of controversy surrounding whether porn addiction is real. For example, some feel there is a lack of scientific evidence to support a specific diagnosis. Some studies even discredit other reports by presenting research that seems to be in opposition to others. The good news is, there are many professionals who treat this as an addiction.

What does scientific evidence seem to show? Like many addictions, your genetics predispose you to addictive behaviors. As such, you can become addicted rather quickly, including to pornography. How? As your body reacts to images on a screen, chemicals release. Then, your brain sends a signal that you want to experience that feeling again. Research indicates porn activates the reward system in the brain, similar to some drug addictions. With the ease of accessibility, it's no wonder why the number of people seeking treatment is rising. Imagine a seven or eight-year-old child who keeps their viewing a secret for years. Their innocent curiosity could easily lead to porn addiction before they reach adulthood.

Other factors influence your susceptibility to addiction. For example, mental health issues come into play. Some turn to pornography to fill a void or escape feelings of depression or anxiety.

An important part of recovery is getting to the root of the problem. In other words, processing the 'why' behind your porn addiction is vital to your success. For some, it may be due to simple curiosity. For others, however, the issues may be much deeper.

Regardless of the 'why,' treatment may offer you hope. You deserve to regain the freedom and control you once enjoyed. At Paradise Creek Recovery Center, we are here to help you through the healing and recovery process of porn addiction. Visit our website to learn more.