09/27/17
By David Sanchez, LPC, LCAS, CSAT-C, EMDR Therapist.
Did you know that pornography addiction is somewhat different than sex addiction? Yes, pornography addiction deals more with excessive pornography use with or without masturbation. Once an individual moves over from using pornography excessively to the point where it is affecting one or more areas of there life negatively, towards engaging with random individuals sexually, then they can be both a porn and sex addict. Sex addiction deals more with an individual that is engaging in risky sexual behavior with others, which are also causing direct and negative life consequences. Trauma, neglect or abuse are commonly found in the upbringing of the classic “sex addict”. I will write more about “classic” sex addiction in my next post. However, here are some common signs and symptoms that casual porn use has moved to the level of addiction:
- Spending hours and sometimes days, lost to seeking, viewing and organizing Pornography
- Lying about, covering up, and keeping secrets about the nature and extent of porn use.
- Irritability and/or anger if asked to stop using porn use.
- Male sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction, inability to reach orgasm etc.)
- Deep rooted feelings of loneliness, longing and/or lack of attachment to loved ones.
- Drug/alcohol abuse in combination with porn use.
- Continued level of porn use remains unchanged despite consequences and/or promised made to self or others to stop.
If you or someone you know is struggling with some or all of these symptoms, it is important that you are evaluated by a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist, as soon as possible, to prevent further consequences for that individual and their loved ones.
David Sanchez, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist is a licensed therapist in a Charlotte counseling private practice, Charlotte Counseling Associates. For more information or to schedule please call 980-263-9608 or email him at admin@charlottecounselors.com