KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
Just as substance abuse can lead to addictions, so can behavioral abuses lead to addiction. Pornography addiction is one type of addiction that stems from the behaviors in which people partake. Recovery from this addiction — like all addictions — requires the addiction to be taken seriously.
Most are aware of chemical addictions such as drug and alcohol dependencies. These types of dependencies rewire the brain into believing that it is dependent on the chemical substance in order to function properly. This is how addiction forms.
The power of behavioral dependence, as opposed to chemical substances, is less well known. However, the DSM-V, the handbook which classifies mental disorders including addiction, has formally classified gaming, gambling, pornography, and more as behavioral addictions. The guidebook also acknowledges that these addictions require intervention before any healing can begin.
Related: Recognizing The Effects Of Pornography Addiction On The Brain
Pornography addiction, one of the most shame-laden addictive behaviors is described as having a “supernormal stimulus” presented to someone. This may cause neurological changes in the viewer.
“Supernormal stimuli” were first defined by Nobel Prize-winning scientist, Nikolaas Tinbergen. Tinbergen used the term to describe some stimulus that is more extreme than something that is evolutionarily advantageous for a species.
In other words, the human species requires sexual intercourse to survive, but pornography trains the brain to expect extreme sexual imagery that isn’t found in most sexual encounters. In fact, according to this study, once chronic pornography users become addicted to extreme sexual imagery they may no longer find their in-person sexual experiences as satisfying as they may once have.
As stated earlier, pornography addiction is one of the most shame-laden addictions. This shame may keep those battling this type of addiction from reaching out for help. It may even cause them to feel uncomfortable around loved ones because they feel as if they’re hiding a dark secret.
The shame caused by this addiction as well as the “supernatural stimulus” nature of pornography causes recovery to be challenging.
According to Desert Solace staff, “coming out of our shame, having the courage to reach out and say, ‘This is what I’ve done, this is where I am, this is where I’ve been, and I’m going forward,’ goes a long way towards reaching recovery.” They continue, “The days of isolating are over. Reach out for help … Let’s move forward and the past is the past.”
Desert Solace is an inpatient addiction treatment center in St. George, Utah. Desert Solace specializes in the treatment of pornography and sex addictions. Additionally, they offer treatment programs for gaming, gambling and substance abuse. Their inpatient facility for porn, sex, gaming, gambling and substance addictions features professional, licensed counselors, a top-rated chef, equine therapy and more. Desert Solace believes in involving the clients family in the recovery process.
Desert Solace
1239 West 4200 North
St. George, UT 84770, USA
info@desertsolace.com
(435) 817-1351
