Experts believe porn addiction is like other addictions in some ways. The addiction is not simply making a choice to view porn material. In addition, it’s a compulsion with its roots in the brain’s biology. The visual stimulation creates a biochemical high in the brain’s pleasure center. Like other addictions porn addiction in teens is long-lasting and becomes progressively worse over time if not treated.
Teen porn addiction does not necessarily mean the teen has an addiction to physical sexual acts. Sex addiction often includes the compulsion to engage in high-risk and/or inappropriate sexual behavior, including having multiple sexual partners, having sex with strangers, sexting, or voyeurism. A teen with porn addiction most often views pornography and masturbates at the same time.
Like any addiction, compulsive viewing of porn can take over a teen’s life. The need to watch or view porn cuts out other responsibilities, like work or school, or time with real friends. For example, an addicted teen may spend time seeking porn instead of studying for tests or maintaining athletic eligibility.
[tweetthis]Warning to parents: Like any addiction, compulsive viewing of porn can take over a teen’s life.[/tweetthis]
Some health experts are also becoming concerned about the rise in porn-induced sexual dysfunction in men. It is believed that Internet porn is sensitizing the brain so that it no longer reacts in a healthy way to normal sexual stimulation. A large Italian study discovered that men who had started accessing online porn as teenagers reported a steady drop in libido that resulted in eventual erectile dysfunction.
Look for these warning signs
How can you tell if your teen has a serious problem or possible addiction to pornography? What are some of the warning signs? Here are 10 to look out for:
- Shows changes in behavior, mood, or sleep
- Spending increasing amounts of time online (viewing pornography)
- Isolates him—or herself from family or friends
- Shows declining academic or work performance
- Seeks time online (viewing pornography) when feeling stressed, anxious, or angry
- Becomes angry or irritable when cannot access the Internet
- Confronted about viewing pornography and continues the behavior despite attempts to stop or despite being punished for it
- Has participated in sexually related chats
- Posts or views sexual photos or information on Facebook or other social media
- Has a file filled with sexualized photos on his or her computer
If you carefully review these signs and believe there’s a problem, it is time to act. The first step is to find an experienced therapist. Porn addiction, like sex addiction, can be humiliating to talk about with others, making it essential to find a compassionate mental health professional skilled at dealing with this type of behavior.
This addiction is often linked to other psychiatric conditions, such as depression. A good therapist will also screen your teen for additional disorders. Treatment for underlying conditions will raise the chances for successful treatment.
The goal of therapy will be to help your teen examine the reasons why he or she is compulsively using porn. In treatment, your teen will also learn strategies for coping with urges in a world in which pornographic material is never more than a click away. In addition, since sex is part of a normal adult life, the therapist will teach your teen ways to deal with sexual matters in a healthy way.