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Sexual Compulsivity Found in Pornographic Addictions
Posted under Sexual Addiction on Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
Pornography is something that has been around for generations, yet the advent of the Internet opened up a whole new channel of anytime access that can lead an addict down a dangerous path. For a large number of individuals, access to porn is about more than just entertainment or the thrill of looking at dirty pictures.
Pornography feeds an addiction that produces a chemical reaction in the brain that is very similar to the reward experienced by drug users. The individual may or may not be also battling sexual compulsivity. A positive identification of this disposition as well can lead to an ongoing problem that extends beyond accessing images by way of a magazine or a computer.
The individual dealing with sexual compulsivity is more likely to act out the images accessed with one or more partners. This individual is also more likely to do so without protection, putting him or herself at risk, as well as every sexual partner who engages in such activities. For the individual who wishes to change their approach to pornography and sex, the good news is treatment is available.
Pornography can have significant power over an individual as it can tap into intense emotional, biological and chemical connections throughout the brain and the entire body. Sexual processes, including that of sexual compulsivity, trigger the brain as it narrows to focus the release of a tidal wave of endorphins and other neurochemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine, ocytocina and serotonin.
Such natural drugs produce a significant rush or high for the individual. When these neurochemicals are produced as a result of sexual compulsivity, they are often referred to as the “fearsome four” as they can generate a severe addiction and promote negative consequences. In fact, the neurochemical release as a result of pornography viewing or acting on sexual compulsivity is viewed by some scientists as the most powerful drug available.
Researchers believe this sexual compulsivity that is driven by pornography – especially when there is the reward of masturbation – is extremely powerful to overcome. The immediate and powerful thrill the individual experiences highly motivates them to repeat the behavior. Therein lies the argument that individuals do not develop an addiction directly to pornography, but instead to the mood-changing feelings they experience when porn is used.
Not all individuals who view pornography develop an addiction or sexual compulsivity, yet researchers estimate 3% to 6% of the general population is addicted. To better understand how to recognize sexual compulsivity, look at how the activity affects the user’s life and then examine why the user is turning to the activity. Not everyone who views pornography will become addicted to the activity or the endorphin rush, but it is a dangerous game to play when the consequences can exceed the reward.
