Message Jim for a Free Consultation at (760) 212‑0444
About 40 million Americans visit porn websites on a regular basis. 33% of all internet downloads in the U.S. are related to porn. Despite risks of relationship loss, employment loss, or legal problems, millions of people access porn every year.
As with drugs, some people use porn for the first time just out of curiosity—and do not progress to regular use. Many turn to porn during periods of increased stress—and can stop when their stress levels go back to normal. For others, porn use has become an addiction.
POP QUIZ:
- Do you turn to porn when you have intense urges or cravings for sex?
- Do you use porn when you’re anxious or stressed?
- Do you continue to use porn despite negative effects on work, school, participation in social activities, or relationships?
- Are you consumed with thoughts of porn even when you are not actively watching it?
- Do you view porn on your cell phone, at work, or in social situations where you might be seen?
- Do you feel ashamed, guilty, or depressed about your porn viewing?
- Do you continue to watch porn despite the harm it has had—or is having—or may have—on your relationships, work, or home life?
- Do you experience reduced sexual satisfaction with partners when pornography is not involved?
- Do you hide your porn and porn viewing from your spouse, domestic partner, or family members?
- Do you get upset when asked to cut back on—or stop—looking at porn?
- Do you lose track of time when viewing porn?
- Have tried to quit watching porn—but have not been successful?
- Has porn become a central part of your life?
- Have you stopped doing things you really enjoy so that you can view more porn?
- Are you neglecting your personal care?
- Have you lost interest in other activities—and replaced them with porn?
- Has your use of porn damaged your relationships?
- Has your sex life become unfulfilling?
- Do you feel an ongoing desire to stop, reduce, or control your use of porn?
- Is your use of porn increasing?
- Do you have cravings to view porn despite significant efforts to resist it?
- Do you use porn in situations that impose physical risks?
Types of Porn Viewers:
Recreational Viewing occurs in moderation and does not hinder one’s sex life or cause problems in relationships. With recreational viewing, the habit of watching porn is enjoyable and does not cause any distress. A recreational viewer can enjoy porn on occasion—without it becoming compulsive. Porn may serve as an occasional form of entertainment or can watched—from time to time—with their partners for reasons that are personal to their relationship.
Highly Distressed Non-Compulsive Viewers tend to be single—they may use pornography to improve self-esteem. For people in this group, porn may provide a form of self-soothing for stress, unsatisfying sex lives, or a lack of romance.
Compulsive Porn Viewing interferes with relationships and daily functioning. Compulsive viewers may give up other activities in their lives because they feel compelled to watch porn and are unable to stop.
If you are struggling with your use of pornography and want to stop—and are afraid to talk about it—don’t let anxiety, shame, or guilt keep you from reaching out to a counselor. I encourage you to do the opposite of how you feel and reach out today. I’m on your team and there is much hope!
Message Jim for a Free Consultation at
(760) 212-0444