Pornographic Dopamine
Porn addiction is a behavioral problem characterized by an uncontrollable compulsion to view pornographic content or material. With the internet providing easy access to thousands of sources, it is not difficult to lose your grip and become hooked!
Porn addicts are unable to stop engaging in porn despite multiple attempts at doing so. Their cravings fuel their addiction, turning into a frustrating process; they become angry when loved ones ask them to stop.
Porn addicts will deny their addiction much like substance abusers; their impulses remain secret-like. Porn addiction is known for promoting secrecy in relationships, further impacting the addict’s psychological well-being. Because addicts do not reveal their addiction, they often feel as if they’re leading a double life by hiding their porn viewing; this promotes guilt and shame.
Porn addicts may continue to view porn despite broken relationships or job loss. Relationships suffer because an addict loses intimacy and sexual satisfaction with their partner; they become emotionally distant because their partner no longer provides the desired satisfaction. And some addicts must watch porn during work, affecting their job performance and promoting failed careers.
Porn addicts may be so addicted that they spend most of their waking hours watching porn! This can result in tolerance, requiring more hours spent on more intense pornographic material to achieve the desired pleasure and satisfaction.
As with any addiction, porn releases large amounts of the neurotransmitter dopamine from the nucleus accumbens (reward center) in the brain; when porn is not available, the addict feels low and quickly returns back to watching porn, leading to a new dopamine surge! And this is how the cycle of addiction continues.
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DSM (Defeating Stigma Mindfully) 
Yep, I totally agree! As a recovering porn addict I can safely say that during my worst weeks I could spend almost 40 hours a week watching porn! I was essentially working two full time jobs. Crazy days! Thanks for posting. 🙂
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Wow that’s amazing. What kept you hooked for that long since no one can physically go on for that long? Thanks for sharing.
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Yeah, it’s a little insane…lol. I became a different person when I viewed porn, it was like I was possessed. In reality I was, and the shame I felt after I binged was unreal, and the shame turned to anger. To say that my addiction caused both physical and mental problems would be an understatement.
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The possession part is unreal! Thanks for sharing. Would not have known – it’s not everyday that you hear the words of a porn addict.
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This is a very interesting read. I never knew how serious being a porn addict was. I watch porn probably a couple times a week and sometimes more but I never last more than 5mins because porn immediately makes me want to masterbate. After I masterbate, I cant stand to watch it any longer. As if it served its purpose for the time being.
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That’s right Shantae. Fortunately for you, you haven’t crossed that invisible line after those 5 minutes that keeps you going and going even though you are no longer sexually motivated. That’s the line that separates addicts from everyone else who watches it.
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