The word addiction tends to bring a negative connotation to the mind. The fact of the matter is that the negative consequences of addictive behavior are of concern. One such negative consequence is that it prevents you from paying attention to anything or anyone else. For instance, what starts as a keen interest in pornography turns into an obsession with porn to the exclusion of all else.

Virtual versus real-life

Ideally, a sexual relationship, with the operative word being relationship, requires that you engage with another individual to express interest, affection, respect, and a healthy attitude towards sharing those feelings.

This would be the real-life scenario. However, with pornography, you are on your own with just a video for excitement. Moreover, there is no communication leave alone an expression of affection. Added to these aspects is the exaggerated albeit artificial enhancements and responses.

Unfortunately, the result of too much pornography is that fantasy begins to overshadow reality. People addicted to pornography begin to look to themselves for pleasure instead of seeking it with a partner. If you are in a relationship, a certain amount of guilt and shame also creep in.

If you are single, you become more and more withdrawn erasing the human need for companionship. Like all addictions, porn addiction can become so pervasive that you start experimenting with extreme pornography to recapture what you once experienced with basic porn.

Acknowledge the addiction

The road to recovery starts with recognizing that you have an addiction. When your partner and friends step away from you for the total lack of attention you show them, when you find yourself unable to stop yourself from turning to porn, when it affects your work, and family responsibilities, you know you have a problem. In short, you now have a problem.

Get help for your porn addiction

There need be neither shame nor fear in seeking help. In fact, it is the brave ones that acknowledge the need for help and are willing to ask for it. Organizations the world over offer support programs and guide you through the recovery process be it from co-dependent relationships, substance abuse, or addiction to pornography.

Addiction is an area that needs expert and professional guidance, and a person can rarely get over an addiction by themselves. Qualified and trained professionals can take you through the entire process and be there to lift you up if you slip. Their purpose is to free you from the addiction and shore up your self-esteem and erase your guilt.

You are not alone

Remember that you are not alone. You do not have to handle the addiction on your own. Accept that it is a hard thing to overcome and seek professional help. Once you start working on your problem, you can pat yourself on the back for having reached out and getting started on the road to recovery.