Porn is so pervasive in our culture that some studies have found that porn consists of more than 30% of the entire content of the internet. Since sex has been a taboo subject in the world for centuries, it is no surprise that talking about porn addiction is also very difficult for a lot of people.
In this article, we’ll look at how the use of porn can turn into a problem and the problematic aspects attached to today’s pornography.
The Problem with Using Sex and Porn to Numb Pain
Using sex in general as a way of escaping our discomfort, numbing our pain, or as a way of relief from boredom and loneliness is very common these days. When it comes to porn use, some advocate that the increased use of porn is a step in the right direction since porn allows sex to be less of a taboo. This view equates porn use with sexual freedom.
But is watching porn, or having to use porn on a consistent basis, actually healthy? Is it really a kind of freedom? Just like any addiction, sex, and more specifically porn use, can also become a compulsive habit. Anything becomes a prison once it has turned into an addiction.
Porn Addiction Hijacks Our Brains
What is happening when we are watching porn? Porn connects the visuals and the genitals while leaving the heart out. We are rarely in touch with ourselves emotionally while watching porn, let alone aware of what we actually need as we look at the screen with hungry eyes.
Porn leaves out our humanity as it turns us into mechanical meat puppets only needing enough stimulation here and there before we feel saturated with pleasurable relief.
What the cosmetic industry does to our natural desire to look good, the porn industry is doing to our natural desire for sexual pleasure. When our sexual desire is thus exploited, we have no other choice than to come back to the same shop again and again to get more and more hits.
When Sexual Exploration Meets Violence
Another problematic aspect of porn is how much violence there is in it. What we are seeing on the screen is often extremely degrading to women. A study found that over 85% of all scenes included violence toward women in porn.
We need to ask ourselves why there is so much anger and violence in porn. What is this anger about and why is it being channelled into sexual aggression? I have not encountered any person who continued to use porn once they could clearly see the internal dynamics that led them to find relief in watching others have sex.
Just like any addiction, porn use is also driven by hidden pain and unmet needs seeking resolution. Opening to the pain we carry is the journey of the heart warrior and so is the deep work required to cut our ties to porn.
Leaving porn behind is to see, acknowledge, and decide to no longer support women’s exploitation. As more and more documentaries show, a great majority of women who got into porn have been sexually abused as children. Next time you feel the need to watch pornography, think about these points. Is there a certain pain you’re choosing to avoid and/or numb? Can you tap into your natural sexual desire without the use of porn? Begin to question your relationship with porn and if it’s truly worth consuming.
At Sunshine Coast Health Centre, clients come to us for a range of issues with addiction, including sex and pornography. We work with each client to understand their individual cycle of addiction and create a recovery plan. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about our programs and services, please visit our website or contact us today.
