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Changing the Porn-Addicted Brain Back to Normal
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In my program for adults called "Pornography's Effect on the Brain" and my student program called "Images or Glory?" I explain how pornography use changes the brain.
If continued, actual physical addiction occurs numbing the pleasure response of the brain. This often results in the loss of sexual desire and/or performance. Their only desire is for more pornography and/or more intense pornography.
One of the top questions I am asked is if the brain can change back to normal. The answer is yes!
Recovery rests primarily on one factor: avoiding pornography.
In our culture, completely avoiding even the mildest forms of pornography can be quite challenging. However, the brain needs a chance to "reboot," that is, return to normal dopamine sensitivity. This can take a couple of months if complete pornography avoidance is maintained. During this time some men experience withdrawal symptoms:
- an alarming but temporary drop in sexual desire,
- insomnia,
- irritability,
- panic,
- despair,
- concentration problems,
- flu-like symptoms.
Finding a good counselor who understands addiction can be very helpful if not critical. There are likely underlying issues that created the desire for pornography. If you are suffering from porn-induced loss of sexual desire and/or performance, and wish to restore your potency, be optimistic. As one man said after his successful recovery: - This is 100% fixable.
- It will likely be one of the most difficult things you've ever done.
- If you ever want a normal sex life again, you kinda don't have another choice."
("Italian men suffer 'sexual anorexia' after Internet porn use." News Report, February 24, 2011. Italian news agency, ANSA. Rome, Italy. http://www.ansa.it/web/notizie/rubriche/english/2011/02/24/visualizza_new.html_1583160579.html) ("Scientists: Too Much Internet Porn May Cause Impotence," News Report, February 25, 2011. FOX News.com, New York. http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/02/25/scientists-internet-porn-cause-impotence/) ("Porn-Induced Sexual Dysfunction Is a Growing Problem," Robinson. "Cupid's Poisoned Arrow" web blog, July 11, 2011. Psychology Today, New York. http://www.psychologytoday.com/node/67790)
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Stop the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
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Subscribers to Sports Illustrated can opt out of receiving the annual swimsuit issue that is published every February. Subscribers then have an additional issue added to the length of their subscription.
This issue is a trigger for me to indulge in pornography. I have taken advantage of this opt-out service that SI offers for the last several years.
To opt out, call their customer service center toll free at 1-866-228-1175. You can also do it online at www.si.com/customerservice.
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