What is a porn addiction? 

The great debate among professionals who help those with addictions is whether or not sex or porn addiction is real. For example, neither is in the DSM, which is the official book of diagnoses. Yet, if you ask a therapist who treats clients with sex or porn addictions, they'll tell you how brutal the addiction can be. So, regardless of the technicality behind it, what we know is if you have an addiction to porn, you'll likely need support to break free. 

Porn addiction, like any other addiction, can be damaging and dangerous to you and those around you. An addiction to porn means you feel a compulsion to view porn, and you can not quit or avoid it. Likewise, you may not realize how much time you spend in a day viewing porn. You may notice even when you're with friends, family, or at work, you struggle to keep your thoughts from drifting. Another indicator of porn addiction is irritability, anger, or frustration. 

How can I avoid my porn addiction urges this holiday season? 

You may be anticipating some time off of work this holiday season. However, free time can be an invitation to connect with your porn addiction instead of your family and friends. Likewise, there are many triggers that can come with the holidays. 

Here are 3 ideas that may help you avoid the urge to turn to your porn addiction

1. Self-care. The holiday season can be stressful for all of us. However, it becomes much more difficult without proper self-care. If you're lacking sleep, not eating healthy, or consuming alcohol, it can impact your mental health. A lack of self-care can leave you wanting to escape from reality. 
2. Support. Having a support group, person, or sponsor can help you avoid the urge to connect to your porn addiction. For example, if you know you have someone to check-in with daily, it may help motivate you to avoid temptations. Likewise, in moments of distress, talking through your emotions can be very beneficial.
3. Set boundaries or goals. Prepare and plan for triggers. Setting boundaries may help you, especially when there are consequences. Goals can motivate you to resist the urge to turn to your porn addiction, especially if you have a support person to remind you of your goals. On the contrary, if you will be social distancing and know you'll have alone time, maybe you could try a new hobby instead. 

Porn addiction can consume excessive amounts of time and energy. Likewise, it can lead to significant relationship and psychological problems. Many people with porn addiction want to stop, but they can't. 

That's where we may be able to help. At Walk By Faith Counseling, we specialize in treating porn addiction. The best gift you might give yourself this year could be the gift of support and recovery. Call us today.