Mark Hastings, M. S., MFT provides in-person Sex & Porn Addiction appointments in Pasadena, and online to all residents of California
Sexually compulsive behaviors and addictions, which include pornography, can temporarily provide confidence, control, validation or other emotions lacking in one’s life, but the behavior may not stop until the root of the problem is addressed.
Though it is not a substance addiction, pornography use has all the hallmarks of other addictions—it can at first provide immense pleasure, but then reduces in pleasure and becomes detrimental to the person’s functioning in marriage, parenting, work life, and community.
Addiction changes the brain through the limbic system, also known as the “brain reward system.” This part of the brain is responsible for producing feelings of pleasure and will manifest thoughts such as, “I deserve this,” or “Let’s do that again.” The abuse of sexual behaviors triggers this system which can prolong a continuous cycle of destructive behavior.
The most common addiction I treat is pornography addiction. Never in history has there been such a bombardment of sexual images available to people of all ages. The internet has opened a floodgate of imagery and is especially difficult because of the three A’s of internet porn: accessibility, affordability, and anonymity. Porn addicts can often operate in the shadows—his and her behavior often unknown to any other person.
Seek Professional Assistance
People who have developed a sex addiction may be unaware that it is out of control, which is why counseling is an essential part of working through and managing this condition.
Many treatment plans focus on talk therapy and behavior therapy and can be performed in a group or through one-on-one sessions. During these sessions, patients analyze the reasons behind their addiction(s), what triggers are and what helped them control impulses in the past. Patients also learn coping skills so they can manage the compulsions without relapsing.
An addiction of any sort can be exhausting, and one should never go through the recovery process alone. Call today to get help.