Can My Brain Be Addicted to Porn? Observations of a Christian Counselor

By Chris Chandler, MA, LMHC, CSAT-C, Seattle Christian Counseling

References “Wired for Intimacy” by William M. Struthers

Is porn addiction a real condition? Clinical psychologists disagree, and it has yet to be recognized as a legitimate condition by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. However, more and more people (particularly men) are coming forward seeking for treatment for addiction to online porn. But how can we know whether it’s truly an addiction?

Clarifying Terms: “Abuse” vs. “Dependency”

A first helpful step toward determining whether someone has an addiction to pornography is to consider whether their use qualifies as abuse or dependency. Let’s use drinking as an example. Alcohol abuse is rampant in college. However, just because someone gets blackout drunk three nights a week does not necessarily qualify them as an alcoholic. What makes someone an alcoholic rather than a heavy drinker is that they feel compelled to drink. A heavy drinker can stop drinking for a spell and not feel a physiological craving for the bottle. An alcoholic does.

When the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders describes substance addiction, it focuses on four characteristics– abuse, dependency, tolerance, and withdrawal. (79)

Am I Addicted to Pornography?

“Addiction is characterized by compulsion, loss of control, and continued use in spite of adverse consequences. The compulsive behavior is reinforcing (rewarding or pleasurable) initially, but tolerance and dependency lead to its decreasing effectiveness to produce the pleasure.” (79)

What does this look like with porn? Whereas looking at nude photos may have been enough to do the trick before, now you need stronger material to feel as aroused. This is called “tolerance.” In addition to tolerance, addiction is also characterized by dependency. That is what makes it an addiction. Sexual arousal stimulates your brain to secrete a pleasurable chemical called dopamine. In cases of addiction, the brain has altered its processes to be dependent on the secretion of dopamine. When it does not have enough, it lets you know. This is why addicts crave the source of their addiction, and experience withdrawal when they do not have enough.

Understanding the Difference Between “Compulsion” and “Addiction”

When considering causes for uncontrollable behavior, there is also the possibility of a compulsive disorder. Unlike addiction, compulsive people do not have a dependency on the source of their addiction.

“Some men do not have pornography addictions characterized by escalating, damaging, and risky behaviors in the pursuit of a high. Perhaps they use pornography as a way of dealing with the sexual tension resulting from their obsessive sexual fantasies. Or perhaps they view pornography and act out as a way of dealing with stress in their lives.” (79)

Compulsive or ritualistic behavior arises as “the result of obsessing or thinking about something to the point of creating psychological and physical anxiety that needs to be resolved.” (79)

The Impulse Disorder: Acting “In the Moment”

A related yet different type of condition is the impulse disorder. Someone may feel an irresistible urge to do something, but it is not because they are addicted to it– rather it’s an issue of poor impulse control. They may not even spend much time fantasizing about sex. But when they do think about it, they act. That is what separates impulsivity from compulsion. With compulsion, obsessive thinking leads to action– whereas poor impulse control is a more spontaneous. It proceeds from little or no forethought. Sexuality might not be the only area where they are impulsive. They might also struggle with gambling, shopping, or thrill seeking. They simply do not take the time to consider the consequences of their actions. (81)

Christian Counseling For Porn Addiction

If you think your porn habit has gotten out of your control, consider getting in touch with a professional Christian counselor. They can help you determine whether you have an addiction, and how to treat it.

Conquering addiction is not merely about having enough faith. It requires that you commit yourself to making whatever changes are necessary to break free from your dependency. As Romans reminds us, “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (Rom. 6:16 NIV) A professional Christian counselor is not there to judge you or make you feel guilty. Their goal is to use therapeutic and Biblical principles to empower you to live a more Godly life.

Photos

Images: Freedigitalphotos.net “Rusty Chain and Wood Background” user winnond and “Upset Teenager Boy” user pat138241