Alcohol And Porn Addiction

The Relationship Between Alcohol And Porn Addiction

Alcohol abuse and porn addiction are frequently present together. As is the case with many other mental health conditions, porn addiction tends to make alcohol abuse worse, and alcohol abuse tends to make porn addiction worse. When these two conditions are both present, they can cause catastrophic personal and relationship damage.

What Is Porn Addiction?

It is still controversial as to whether or not “porn addiction” is truly an addiction with the same implications as someone becoming addicted to a substance. The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) does not recognize addiction to porn or sex as a true addiction. Rather, both “addictions” are categorized as a compulsory sex disorder. The reason they are still debated as addictions is due to the limited study on symptoms of people building a tolerance to porn and going through withdrawals.

While the legitimacy and definition of porn addiction is still debated, it is commonly accepted that it is an off-shoot of sex addiction. Porn addiction can actually become more dangerous, as someone can fill their need for porn more easily and end up closing themselves off to others. People who suffer from porn addiction, similar to people suffering from alcoholism, will soon get to a point where they won’t even feel any joy from watching porn. They will just feel a compulsive need to watch more and become irritable if they go without it.

Porn Addiction As A Co-Occurring Disorder

The term co-occurring disorders refers to when a mental disorder and substance addiction manifest in one person. This often happens because people suffering from mental illness are more likely to turn to a substance, especially alcohol, as a means of coping. This can even happen if someone is suffering from a non-substance addiction. Sometimes, people suffering from porn addiction will turn to alcohol to dull themselves to the shame they may be feeling. Other times, alcohol could be used as an enabler, making them bolder. In any situation, alcohol has become part of the problem and an addiction in and of itself.

Unfortunately, in many cases like these, people only seek treatment for the alcoholism, as that is the most clear and present issue. Without treating the underlying porn addiction, the issue that initially pushed the victim to drink, the person suffering will likely just turn back to alcoholism.

Symptoms Of Porn Addiction

Like any physical addiction, people who suffer from porn addiction will begin to feel or notice symptoms that come from spending so much time consuming porn. These symptoms are what truly impacts a person’s life and can create strain on their relationships. If you notice someone you love exhibiting these symptoms, it could be a sign that they are struggling with a porn addiction. These symptoms can include, but aren’t limited to:

• Being distracted by thoughts of porn, even when not actively viewing it
• Being compelled to watch porn in inappropriate locations, like work or social situations
• Feeling shame and guilt over porn viewing
• Continuing to watch porn, despite negative impacts on life
• Losing interest in sex with a partner when porn is not involved
• Feeling the need to keep porn consumption hidden from one’s partner
• Becoming upset when asked to stop using porn
• Losing time in viewing porn
• Failing to quit or cut back on porn

Finding Treatment For Porn Addiction

Porn addiction is a complicated disorder for many. First, it isn’t always treated like the addiction it is. Because of that fact, those struggling often don’t feel like it is something that needs to be addressed. However, if someone is having negative feelings due to excessive porn use, so much that they are using alcohol to numb those feelings, then leaving it untreated can create a much bigger issue. Don’t wait for the worst-case scenario. Using alcohol as  a coping mechanism could cause a spiral down into alcoholism that permanently damages your life and well-being. If you or someone you love needs direction, then contact a treatment provider today. They can point you in the right direction and help find treatment options to start your journey in recovery.