Look, we all have our vices. From not being able to get through the day without a vape to even just being obsessed with the more sh**ty films on Netflix.
And maybe for you, porn is your vice. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with using Pornhub or watching adult videos on OnlyFans and it’s not exactly uncommon.
A survey by Ofcom found that half of adults in the UK watched it during the pandemic and even that 21 percent of adults watch it during typical working hours.
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However, like most things, there can be ‘too much’ and porn can become addictive.
Experts say it’s important to understand the signs of having a porn addiction in order to maintain a healthy relationship both with adult content and with whoever you're sleeping with.
Porn addiction expert and psychologist from Stop Together, Dr Ree Langham, shares six signs with LADbible that you could be addicted to porn.
Time takeover
Langham says the biggest sign of porn addiction is if you’re spending ’a huge amount of time watching the content’ and this will directly impact how much of your time is going to other responsibilities and content.
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“If adult content begins to dominate someone’s day-to-day life, it could be time to reassess habits,” she adds.
Mood changes
Being addicted to porn can cause changes to your mood and personality, affecting your ability to connect with others.
This might create tension in your relationships and lead to miscommunication.
Uncontrollable urges
If you can’t stop watching adult content, then that’s a red flag.
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Langham explains: “If someone regularly has the urge to watch explicit material and struggles to refrain from doing so, it could be time to get professional help.”
Escalating desires
If that desire to watch adult content begins to interfere with daily responsibilities, is frequent, or places you in ‘dangerous situations’, like watching secretly when your partner’s around then ‘this could highlight a developing dependency on porn’.
Unrealistic beliefs
Another warning sign you’re addicted to porn could be a more obvious one – if you’re developing unrealistic beliefs about what sex should be like.
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The expert adds: “If someone’s perceptions and ideas about intimacy change drastically, these should be addressed to help create a healthier mindset.”
Dishonest behaviour
If you’re watching too much porn, it might lead to dishonest behaviour as you distance yourself from those around you.
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Further strain and pressure on you might come from ‘the guilt and shame associated with addiction'.
Langham advises: “Porn addiction can have a huge impact on intimacy and relationships, leading to feelings of inadequacy and a negative impact on romance.
“However, there is help and support available, and recognising the signs early is an essential step towards addressing any issues.”
Topics: Mental Health, Sex and Relationships, Health
Jess Battison