Most psychiatric associations do not recognize porn addiction as an official mental health problem, but they admit that experiencing an uncontrollable need to view porn can cause us problems and change our behaviour. Addiction is defined as the compulsive need for, and use of, a habit-forming substance by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information USA.

So how else can we define addiction? Addiction has patterns. For example, a smoker has to smoke one cigarette a day; an alcoholic has to have one beer a day. Yes, each person’s limit is different, nevertheless, anyone can form an addiction. Therefore, watching porn can become an addiction even if the person doesn’t watch it every day.

Here are some ways to find out if you are addicted to porn:

1. YOU’RE LOSING TIME People addicted to porn tend to waste a lot of time. They can come to the end of a day having done nothing productive. The time that was meant to be spent finishing a task is ultimately wasted watching porn.

2. YOU’RE WASTING MONEY People addicted to porn are never satisfied. They may find themselves willing to spend money for ‘higher quality content’, even when they can’t afford it. As time goes on, the sort of content they look for becomes increasingly unnatural, or weirder.

3. YOU PREFER SELF-GRATIFICATION People who watch porn tend to have unrealistic demands that their spouse cannot supply. Instead of engaging in healthy and intimate sexual relationships with their spouses, they prefer to satisfy themselves by watching more porn.

4. YOU CAN’T STOP People addicted to porn simply cannot stop. No matter what they try – a New Year’s resolution, pressure from their spouse, staying busy, or any other good idea – they cannot easily quit. The need for porn far outweighs the desire to overcome porn.

5. YOU’RE DISTRACTED People addicted to porn have a hard time focusing on what is in front of them. They can be at work, at home with their family, or out with friends, but their mind drifts to porn. It may be videos they’ve previously watched or videos they are planning to watch. This affects their ability to relate with others, perform their job effectively and stay mentally present in any given situation.

Now, you don’t need to check yes to each of these points to know that you have an addiction. It can be just one. But porn addiction is harmful. It also doesn’t just affect you, but also the people around you.

A person addicted to porn often may feel ashamed. It is important to remember that your addiction is shared among others and you are not alone. If you find yourself exhibiting any of these signs, it’s important to speak up. Addictions are rarely overcome alone.

In fact, that is what inspired me to create an app to help others overcome their addictions.

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