Porn Addiction and Cybersex

Cybersex

Cybersex is a growing problem which is even causing those who have never had problematic sexual behavior to enter the world of sex addiction. Increasingly, people’s online sexual behavior is affecting their daily lives negatively. This is especially true when viewing porn images. We are finding more and more individuals porn addicted who do not have a complex sex addiction history. For men, three things drive addiction to porn more than anything else: 1) Visual Stimulation; 2) Need to Relax, Feel Pleasure, and Escape; and 3) Addictive Aspects of Pornography.

Cybersex is referred to as the “crack cocaine” of sex addiction.

Dr Patrick Carnes points out some specific patterns noted in people abusing online sex are:

• Rapid escalation of amount and variety of online sex use.
• Escalation then moves on to obsessional, new behaviors.
• Relational regression occurs, in which the user loses interest in sex with his/her partner.
• Internet sexual behavior accelerates existing addictive behavior and/or precipitates new compulsive off-line behavior.

Following are the 10 criterion of problem online behavior:

• Frequently engaging in sex online more often or for longer periods of time than intended.
• Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back on, or stop engaging in sex online.
• Restlessness or irritability when attempting to limit or stop engaging in sex online.
• Using sex online as a way of escaping from problems or to relieve feelings such as helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression.
• Returning to sex online in hopes of a more intense or higher risk sex experience.
• Lying to family members, therapists, or others about online sex activity.
• Committing illegal acts online. (Sending or downloading child pornography or soliciting sex acts, for example)
• Jeopardizing or losing a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of online sexual behavior.
• Incurring significant financial consequences as a result of engaging in online sexual behavior.

If you  or someone you love has a problem, please contact our office for an appointment.

Pornography Addiction Treatment

Compulsive pornography use can produce significant consequences for both the viewer as well as the spouse or partner who may experience it as a betrayal of the implicit or explicit commitment of fidelity in the relationship.

When cybersex is involved, the porn use can escalate very rapidly with new sources of arousal occurring and becoming fixated very quickly. The viewer may discover being “hooked” by images never imaginable before. At this stage, sex addiction treatment is highly recommended.

For more information call us at (248) 398-0740 ext 1, text us at (734) 215-5825 or email us