I do not have a pornography addiction; that is my official party line. At least it was until I visited this site: http://www.noeldouglas.com/psychology/pornography/Are_You_a_Pornography_Addict, that came highly recommended. Ive always maintained that guys have more addictive personalities than gals (just a personal observation - I have no scientific data to back it up). Therefore, if you are male and a porno-phile like myself, I challenge you also to take this test.
Dr. Douglas makes some very insightful points. One was the guilt factor associated with porn, which is quite true in my circumstance. Another good point he brings up is the tendency of the porn addict (or any addict for that matter) to substitute porn for intimacy. However, I dont necessarily think that its such a bad thing to view pornography when youre bored, nor to view pornography in order to temporarily escape your personal problems (and, no, I dont think Im wading in a famous African river with this one); as long as you recognize the activity as a brief interlude or respite in the continuing saga that is your life (like catching a quick movie at the theater), and as long as you dont put your problems off indefinitely.
In my case, I partake of pornography as I would any other pastime such as baseball, picnicking, or watching TV.
Valid though his points were, I felt at times that his expansion for a point was nonsensical. For example, his 13th question asks if there are other forces compelling you to watch porn. But to illustrate his point, he asks the reader if he (the reader) indeed aspires to be a better individual but is hampered in that endeavor by pornography. What forces, whether internal or external, was the doctor alluding to?
Similarly, he demands whether the reader has ever thrown away an old pornography collection only to replace the collection with a new stash (question 9). Good questions. Then, however, he kind of goes off at a tangent and asks if the test-taker has ever viewed pornography or masturbated while in an altered, substance-induced, mental state. Huh?
At times, his points were repetitive. The emotional disconnect between the addict and his loved ones was mentioned more than twice.
Mind you, none of his points individually are misspoken. I just thought that oftentimes he took a faulty step in the path of his logic, and ultimately in the course of the test.
So I took the test with the same mindset I always have when Im, ahem, engaging in porn: I can quit any time I so choose. But a small part of my psyche constantly thinks that I just may be lying to myself, and heres why.
There have been times when I told myself I wouldnt look at porn for a set period. But, that would only make me want to look at naked women all the more (is that an addictive trait? I asked myself). Its the times when I gave myself free reign to look at all the porn that I so desired, that the porn didnt quite hold the same level of excitement for me. On the one hand, I guess we, as humans, do often want what we cant have or that which is forbidden. Conversely, it could be as Dr. Doug said: you can become desensitized to the average porn and may need more extreme pornographic material to attain the same carnal elation.
Having completed the test, Ive come to the conclusion that Im not a porn addict, per se. And yes, I did weigh several factors such as 1) my increased desire for porn when it wasnt readily available; 2) my tendency to view smut when I had nothing better to do; and 3) a sometimes pervading sense of guilt after a long viewing session."
I realize that I just have an over-blown sense of self effacement due to my strong Christian upbringing. And just as some people look at oil paintings and others gaze at sunsets, I enjoy looking at naked women; its soothing. The female body is truly the most beautiful thing that God put on this earth. If that earns me the label of a visual (pornography) addict, so be it. Ive been called much worse.
On the other hand, maybe its about time I got off this Egyptian cruise ship.
The author is affiliated with Sex-Toys-Videos.com, and writes regular porn and sex toy articles for his blog page.
Addiction and Pornography
Effects on the brain and psyche.1. Many people believe that images that we view are harmless, or that the only harm it inflicts is moral in nature.2. Our brain is like a supper sophisticated computer, any image we take in stays with us and is foreve...
Breaking Porn Addiction - How To Kick Your Addiction
Porn addiction has become a modern affliction that is by and large hidden to mainstream media and general discussion on the subject. It is considered embarrassing and is largely anonymous so it goes unheeded and undocumented and more and more people ...
Addiction in Any Form is Abnormal
Psychological and physiological dependence on a substance or practice is the medical definition of the term addiction. An addiction is an uncontrollably strong longing for something - an abnormal kinky obsession for things. A person with an addict...
Porn Addiction: Who Me?
How do you know if youre addicted to porn? Answer the question, Can you take it or leave it? If the answer is no, if porn has become a regular part of your life and if you plan your day around ityou have a problem!A porn addict may tell himself, Ever...
Types Of Addictions
All addictions have the same basic symptoms; obsession, compulsion, loss of control, and continued use in the face of negative consequences. People can develop addictions to substances, behaviors or activities. Some of these behaviors or activities m...
Alcoholism Addiction Treatment
Alcoholism addiction treatment is a program by which a person can overcome an addiction ro alcohol. These programs can take many forms, including counseling, group therapy, cold turkey, gradualism, and so on down the line. Each person is unique, and ...
Drug Addiction
Statistics show that drug addiction is on the rise. Designer drugs are finding their way into clubs and bars and straight into the hands of teenagers and young professionals. Addiction to prescription drugs is becoming common, as well. Many people be...
How To Stop Porn Addiction
Step one: Do you admit you have a problem? Do you realize just how much damage porn addiction can do to your life and your relationships? Do you really want to know how to stop porn addiction? OR are you just hoping there is an easy one click cure?If...
Signs of an Addiction
Addictions come in many forms. Its important to recognize the signs of addictions in order to seek out help before the problem becomes to large.Some different types of Addictions are:
Caffeine addiction, nicotine addiction, drug addiction, Alcohol a...
How To Stop An Addiction To Porn
There is no easy answer to how to stop an addiction to porn as the real causes behind such a damaging habit are as varied as the bizarre sex acts you find in the adult entertainment industry! Without a one shot 12 step program or something of the lik...
