Addicted to online porn? How to tell if you have a problem.
Sex addiction is defined as progressive compulsive thoughts and acts of a sexual nature. In the case of internet sex addiction it is usually characterized as the viewing of adult materials online. The amount of time spent is usually greater as time passes. This means that although some internet sex addicts do not progress beyond viewing of adult sites with pornographic content or worse yet; other internet sex addicts cross the line in order to continue the compulsive behavior and move into illegal activities.
The course of sex addiction follows a similar path as other types of addictions. The person who is addicted to internet sex finds themself unable to have so called ‘normal’ relationships. The addictive behavior must continue in order for the person to feel normal.
It is estimated that over 9% of Americans today spend considerable time on the internet viewing materials on adult sites. While pornographic images have always shown throughout history, never have so many people had the ability and the desire to purchase, view and pass on pornographic materials.
Sociologists say the ready availability of such materials is changing the mores of the country. Even children are being sucked in by this business of internet pornography, both as viewers and as models.
Some of the signs that you may be addicted to sex include
- Purchase or viewing of explicitly sexual material
- Preoccupation with sex
- A feeling that your sexual behavior is abnormal
- Complaints by your spouse about your behavior
- Feeling badly about your sexist behavior
- Hiding your sexual behavior from your partner
- Allowing your sexual behavior to affect your family life
- Being unable to stop inappropriate behavior
Sexual addiction was recognized and described by psychologists in 1983 by Dr Patrick Carnes in his book “Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction.” The National Council on Sexual Addiction was created in 1987, with a stated purpose of working to remove the stigma surrounding sexual addiction. They serve as a clearinghouse for information about the behavior and as a resource for treatment options.
Those who have not struggled with addictive behavior may ask “Why don’t you just stop?” The truth is that internet sex addiction is defined as recognizing that it is destructive behavior and not being able to stop or control the behavior. Not being able to control or feeling powerless about your behavior means you will be strongly drawn to repeat it, since that’s the relationship that now feels normal.
Thousands of therapists are trained to treat sexual addiction and professional intervention is recommended for those who find themselves in the self-destructive downward spiral. Other sources of help include self-help groups, courses and books. While other types of addiction require complete abstinence from the addictive substance, sexual addiction is a matter of relearning and practicing normal intimate relationships.
___________________________________Treating an Addiction to Online pornography ,written by Psychologist Frankie Orlando, is not only a comprehensive coverage of sex addiction, but includes a simple, step-by-step action treatment plan.
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