Connection Between Pornography Use and Sexual Addiction

Man sitting by a river sad about the stigma of addiction

There are many factors that influence the development of a sexual addiction, some being issues that a person may not even have control over.

Factors that may be involved at the root of a sexual addiction include:

  • Biological components
    • Genetic predisposition
    • Hormonal abnormalities
    • Neurobiology
  • Psychological and emotional experiences such as:
    • Trauma
    • Abuse
  • Uunderlying mental illnesses, such as:
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
  • Environmental influences
    • Media
    • Early exposure to pornography

No Single Factor

One single factor on its own cannot be directly pinpointed as the exact cause of this complex disorder, and it is important to understand that the combination of factors can increase a person’s susceptibility to developing a sexual addiction. In this light, it is critical to examine the use of pornography.

Unfortunately, with easy access to the internet, many individuals are engrossed in the harmful habit of pornography use. While pornography use itself cannot be identified as the causation for sexual addiction, it can certainly be a triggering factor for a person susceptible to developing this disorder.

Upset couple not talking to each other after fightParticularly for a person with other risk factors, such as an obsessive compulsive personality, history of trauma and abuse, and presence of other mental health issues, the continued use of pornography can lead to a much more complicated issue, such as hypersexuality or a sexual addiction disorder.

Pornography use alone can begin to create complications, such as marital and relationship issues, difficulties sustaining a job and career, financial problems and more.

If you or someone you know is engaged in chronic pornography use, consider how this behavior may be impacting your life and those around you. If you have found yourself struggling to maintain your daily activities due to pornography use, you may benefit from seeing a specialist about this behavior.

If pornography use has escalated into a more severe condition, such as a sexual addiction, reach out to soRBHmeone you trust to confide about the issues you may be dealing with. Know that there are resources available and at your disposal for help and recovery.

 


Crystal Karges photo

About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.


The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on January 12, 2016
Published on AddictionHope.com

About Baxter Ekern

Baxter Ekern is the Vice President of Ekern Enterprises, Inc. He contributed and helped write a major portion of Addiction Hope and is responsible for the operations of the website.