For the purposes of providing recovering addicts with the most effective treatment possible, some field practitioners find it useful to make the distinction between substance addictions and process addictions.
Unlike their counterparts, process addictions do not revolve around a substance like drugs or alcohol. Instead, they concern specific compulsive behaviours, like gambling, gaming or watching porn. Although these two types of addiction have specific nuances that distinguish them from each other, what many practitioners are seeing is that the same recovery principles can be used to treat both types of addiction and that both types produce similar negative side effects. In this article, we explore a few porn addiction side effects and how they manifest.
Shame and Secrecy
One of the most talked about side effects of being addicted to porn is overwhelming and crippling levels of shame. Being unable to stop watching porn, even in inappropriate settings such as the workplace, inevitably leads porn addicts to leading double lives. Porn addiction becomes a secret – one that an addict will do anything to protect, due to the reputational impact it would have if someone were to realise the extent of their problem. Many porn addicts attest to having to weave elaborate lies to cover up their compulsive behaviour – the more the illness progresses, the more shameful it may feel to cover up what they are doing.
Cravings
It may come as a surprise to those who are not familiar with the disease model of addiction, that porn addiction side effects are similar, in many ways to the side effects of substance dependency. For example, the “high” that drug addicts experience when taking a hit, is the same kind of “high” that porn addicts experience when watching porn, and just as in the case of drug abuse, it takes larger amounts of porn to satisfy the craving that the first “hit” produces. Many porn addicts can relate to spending an increasing amount of time watching porn, chasing an ever-elusive feeling of euphoria and catharsis.
Progressive Consequences
Addiction, in any form, is a progressive disease. In the case of porn addiction side effects, a common consequence of this compulsion is that over time, it has a negative impact on the addict’s relationships. Porn addicts may forgo spending time with their partners or spouses, in favour of watching porn. Not being able to spend too much time away from the internet or their porn supply, can lead to anti-social behaviour and feelings of depression. The long-term effects of this isolation should not be underestimated.
If you or a loved one is suffering the consequences of porn addiction, know that help is readily available. Contact us for a free consultation and we’ll support you in your journey towards recovery.
