The general definition of addiction is a behavior that is constantly repeated despite the negative impact to oneself or other individuals. When a person is addicted to a thing, activity, feeling, or substance, she or he will typically need intervention to cure the addiction. Porn addiction occurs when an individual has a constant urge to view sexually explicit images, whether in print, TV, or online. According to the Family Research Council, a huge percentage of those suffering from porn addiction will eventually lose their family and/or careers if they do not seek timely treatment for their addiction.

1. Porn Addiction is Real and
is Treatable
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2. The general definition of addiction is a behavior that is constantly repeated despite the
negative impact to oneself or other individuals. When a person is addicted to a thing,
activity, feeling, or substance, she or he will typically need intervention to cure the
addiction. Porn addiction occurs when an individual has a constant urge to view sexually
explicit images, whether in print, TV, or online. According to the Family Research
Council, a huge percentage of those suffering from porn addiction will eventually lose
their family and/or careers if they do not seek timely treatment for their addiction.
What Happens to the Brain of a Porn Addict?
Porn addiction is classified under a bigger group of addiction symptoms referred to as
sexual addictions. It is particularly categorized as a “process addiction” since the
addiction is tied to a certain process or activity, which in this case is constantly viewing
of pornographic materials. Some experts claim that it changes the brain’s naturally
generated neurotransmitters responsible for regulating communications between
organs, muscles, and cells.

3. According to a research by Dr. Valerie Voon, a neuropsychiatrist from Cambridge, the
brains of porn addicts show similarities to that of alcoholics. The ventral striatum, a
vital brain structure, plays a crucial part in the brain’s pleasure pathways or reward
system. It is the same part that’s triggered whenever an alcoholic is shown an image of
an alcoholic drink.
Can Porn Addiction be Treated?
All kinds of addictions have two sides — psychological and physical. The addiction’s
emotional aspect should be thoroughly evaluated and treated for addicts to regain their
healthy sexual behaviors. Group or individual therapy, along with family therapy, if
applicable, is equally important to addressing the physical aspect of the addiction.

4. Sources:
 http://www.renaissanceoutpatient.com/
 http://www.frc.org/onepagers/the-effects-of-pornography-on-individuals-marriage-
family-and-community
 http://archive.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2004/11/65772
 http://www.covenanteyes.com/2014/02/03/brain-chemicals-and-porn-addiction/
Treatment for porn addiction typically falls under the wider protocol of treatment for
treating sexual addictions. The addict’s physical and mental health will establish
whether outpatient or inpatient is more suitable. In the event that the addicted
individual also suffers from a substance addiction or psychological issue (anxiety or
depression among others) appropriate medications (following a thorough assessment
and diagnosis) will also be a part of the treatment plan.