Porn Addiction?

[Steezie]

Ok, I tried posting this in it's forum, but I was informed it wasnt the right place.

Im not getting the idea behind porn addiction. It is an in-animate object that is not ingested. I see how it could get out of control, anything that isnt kept within the boundaries of moderation isnt necessarily a good thing (Too much of ANYTHING can hurt you). But to say that its an ADDICTION seems a little far fetched to me

To me it seems like an exscuse used to justify an action percieved as wrong. "Im not perverted, Im addicted!"

 

[Jetgirl]

Ok, I tried posting this in it's forum, but I was informed it wasnt the right place.

Im not getting the idea behind porn addiction. It is an in-animate object that is not ingested. I see how it could get out of control, anything that isnt kept within the boundaries of moderation isnt necessarily a good thing (Too much of ANYTHING can hurt you). But to say that its an ADDICTION seems a little far fetched to me

It's an excuse to continue behavior that they think they shouldn't. Just like so called "food addiction." The only problem these folks have is a total lack of willpower.

 

[Steezie]

It's an excuse to continue behavior that they think they shouldn't. Just like so called "food addiction." The only problem these folks have is a total lack of willpower.

I disagree that its a total lack of willpower.

Its easy for someone to get into something that gives them some form of comfort or aleviates some form of discomfort.

I had a bit of a tough time with behavior that might be classified as anorexia. I felt bad about the way I looked and not eating felt like it was making things better. Im definately not what you'd call a weak-willed person.

 

[katautumn]

Anorexia is a medical condition. Simply abstaining from food does not make someone and Anoretic. There's an entire mis-perception of self-image and an almost warped thought process that goes hand in hand with Anorexia. That's why I wouldn't say Anorexia is a lack of will-power nor would I call it an addiction. It's a mental illness, as classified by doctors.

Pornography addiction is a tough subject. While pornography cannot be taken like a drug or alcoholic drink, it's still a vice for many people. Porn addiction in the sense that alot of Christian pro-family organizations discuss is more than likely a desire to view pornography and giving into those desires. Simply having the curiosity and seeking it out is not an addiction. I would consider a porn addict to be the person who substitutes sexually fulfilling their parnter with looking at porn. Someone whose day to day life is affected by their pornography (neglects spending time with their families, risks getting in trouble by looking at it online at work, is late for work or fails to fulfill social obligations because they're looking at porn, etc.). And someone who spends the food and utility bill money to buy porn. Someone who simply looks at porn or even thoroughly enjoys looking at porn is not an addict, in my opinions; however, I canont say that porn addiction is a myth either.

 

[Adriac]

It's not physically addictive. However, any rewarding behavior can be (theoretically) habit forming, causing what's called a psychological dependance.

The wiki article is helpful.

 

[WhiteMageGirl]

Porn has addictive qualities just like many other things. It can be as addictive as alcohol or even real sex in my opinion based on observation.

 

[Steezie]

It's not physically addictive. However, any rewarding behavior can be (theoretically) habit forming, causing what's called a psychological dependance.

The wiki article is helpful.

Then ANYTHING that gives a positive feedback to the person is or can be addictive. Porn is nothing special if ANYTHING can be addictive

 

[sister_maynard]

I think the principle is somewhat similar to the problems people have with compulsive gambling. They become dependent on it to deal with their problems and pay attention to it instead of attending to their loved ones and the other truly important things in their lives. Addiction may be an overly strong word, but the dependence that people have can become serious.

 

[katautumn]

I don't think true addicts feel rewarded by indulging in their vices. Usually it's the lack of that rewarding feeling, the satisfaction, that makes them chase after the next best "high". This can be said about gambling, shopping, booze, sex, porn, street drugs, prescription drugs, food, etc.

 

[Adriac]

Then ANYTHING that gives a positive feedback to the person is or can be addictive. Porn is nothing special if ANYTHING can be addictive

Just so.

Of course, pornography carries a relatively unique stigma in our society that does serve to separate it from the pack somewhat.

 

[Steezie]

I think the principle is somewhat similar to the problems people have with compulsive gambling. They become dependent on it to deal with their problems and pay attention to it instead of attending to their loved ones and the other truly important things in their lives. Addiction may be an overly strong word, but the dependence that people have can become serious.

Gambling gives a huge rush of adrenaline and endorphins to the brain. Looking at porn creates sexual arousal and the release of endorphins, gambling also has the incentive of monetary reward.

 

[sister_maynard]

They're not exactly the same, but the endorphins are a common factor and the concepts are related. Some people with higher sex drives may veer more towards porn, and those who favor risk and the potential for fortune may go into gambling.

 

[Adriac]

Gambling gives a huge rush of adrenaline and endorphins to the brain. Looking at porn creates sexual arousal and the release of endorphins, gambling also has the incentive of monetary reward.

And what's really interesting is that that's pretty much the same thing as, say, cocaine — although obviously on a different scale. It tells your brain, hey, we're having a lot of fun now! There's no kind of external stimulus which actually is fun, but it's the same process.

 

[Robbie_James_Francis]

Many addictive behaviours do actually cause real, tangible, chemical changes in the brain. Though things like porn, gambling, TV etc. are not physically ingested, they can be addictive just like anything else and this can lead to someone having an addiction. Even if there is not an identifiable physical dependence, there can be a psychological dependence, as some people experience with all sorts of behaviours, from looking at pornography to watching TV to excercise.

peace