11 Things To Know About Porn

David HilderAwareness

Strength To Fight recently brought on a University Intern. On just his first day we asked him to do a whole bunch of reading and research and let us know what he learned. Here is what he learned in just one single day.

  1. Porn Use is Widespread

Porn today has become one of the most common forms of so-called entertainment, with the average male seeing it by age 12. By age 18, 90% of males and 60% of females have seen it. Whether at home, at school or in the workplace, the vast majority of people aged 18-30 regularly use porn.

  1. Porn is a Drug

While using porn, we are constantly shaping our brains, reinforcing neural pathways often used and dissolving pathways no longer needed. Dopamine is released in the brain of the porn user, associating it with the reward of pleasure, and working to kindle future cravings. Tolerance follows, and the brain seeks more violent and intense porn.

  1. Porn is Unfulfilling

The body of a porn user produces a high level of testosterone, creating a hypersensitivity to view every situation as sexual. At the same time, this is paired with desensitization to real sexual contact. As with drug use, repeated porn use becomes less and less satisfying over time.

  1. Porn is Used by both Men and Women

It’s not only men that struggle with pornography. While men are more likely to watch porn, the number of women using it is growing. A 2005 study shows that 98% of men have been exposed to porn at least once, compared to 80% of women.

  1. Porn Will Become an Addiction

Anyone who believes they aren’t addicted to pornography should take sex addiction therapist Dr. Mark Laaser’s challenge, which is to quit porn for 30 days. According to Dr. Mark Laaser, an addict’s “brain will go on a five-alarm fire in about seven to 14 days.”

  1. Porn is Self-Focused

In a healthy marriage a special bond develops with the help of the chemical oxytocin. But the porn user has no real person to bond with. The images they view have no autonomy and serve no other purpose than to give the viewer pleasure. This objectification puts all the focus back on the consumer of the porn, and is rid of any concern for others. As a result, oxytocin’s ability to help you bond becomes compromised.

  1. Porn Damages Relationships

Watching porn contributes to marital infidelity and makes people less sexually satisfied with their partners. “Cyber affairs” are often seen to be just as damaging as “offline affairs,” contributing to symptoms of PTSD in the wronged partner.

  1. Porn is Linked to Sex Trafficking

The porn industry verbally and physically abuses its actors and drives them to addiction, and so it should be no surprise that it also goes hand in hand with sex trafficking. Pornographic images and films often involve those trapped in the sex trade and there is no way for the user to know if they are viewing sex trafficking victims. Sex trafficking is a worldwide phenomenon, and every year “300,000 American children are at risk for trafficking.”

  1. Porn Addiction Can Be Reversed

Using porn is not an innate trait. It is a habit that can only be learned, and therefore can be unlearned. The brain is very capable at creating new pathways if only people would take responsibility for their mistakes and be intentional about pursuing habits they want to acquire.

10. Recovering From Porn is a Battle

Breaking the cycle of pornography requires serious determination and planning. And although it will be difficult to resist, it is important to remember that every time an addict wins a smaller battle, it positively impacts the brain and the outcome of the war.

11. You Don’t Have To Fight Porn Alone

Pornography use involves secrecy and deception. In contrast, the way to recover involves openness and honesty. It will be uncomfortable and painful, but necessary. Openness means being accountable to your spouse and friends about the issues you struggle with and your triggers. In the midst of setbacks, knowing you have the support of others is essential.