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Articles Written By: Michael Dunn

How to Help Someone with a Porn Addiction: A Therapist’s Perspective

Recent statistics show that pornography consumption is widespread in the United States, with millions engaging daily. Pornhub, one of the largest adult websites, ranks as the fourth most visited website in the world, highlighting the easy accessibility of online pornography. Porn addiction is a serious issue that profoundly affects the individual struggling with it. It can lead to a host of personal challenges, including reduced self-esteem, feelings of guilt or shame, and increased anxiety or depression. The addictive cycle often consumes significant time and energy, detracting from work, hobbies, and meaningful social connections. Over time, this dependency can distort an individual’s understanding of intimacy, create unrealistic expectations about sex, and diminish satisfaction with real-life experiences, making it harder to form genuine emotional and physical connections. For couples, the impact of porn addiction is even more painful. Trust, a cornerstone of any relationship, is often shattered when the addicted partner’s behavior comes to light. Emotional intimacy suffers as the addicted individual becomes more withdrawn or disconnected, leaving the other partner feeling neglected, rejected, or inadequate. Sexual intimacy can also deteriorate, as unrealistic ideals shaped by pornography interfere with na...

By HARDCODED TO FIX ERROR

Published: December 12, 2024
Read Time: 6 Minutes
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How to Help Someone with a Porn Addiction: A Therapist’s Perspective