Pornaddiction.com Launches New Site as the Need for Porn Addiction Treatment Grows

TAMPA, FL, September 19, 2012 (Press-News.org) Pornaddiction.com has launched a new site to help those who are seeking help for porn addiction. The site offers free articles and will continue to expand. The other purpose of the site is to raise awareness of the ever growing problem of porn addiction.

In a January 6, 2012 article on PRWeb, it was reported that Internet porn is more addictive than crack or crystal meth. Easy access to free, hardcore pornography on the Internet is one reason this particular addiction has taken hold. Another reason is that, unlike drugs and alcohol, porn can be obtained anonymously without having to go through a supplier.

Ten percent of Americans say they are addicted to pornography, and experts believe this proportion is growing every year. Although most porn addicts are men, women are also victims. An estimated 28 percent of Internet porn visitors are thought to be female. Porn is currently a multimillion dollar business. The estimated annual income from this industry is roughly $97 billion per year.

Those who want to kick the habit are often too embarrassed to seek help. Unlike addictions to drugs and alcohol, pornography addiction is neither a common problem nor a widely-discussed topic. There is often a stigma associated with it, and the addict usually feels a strong sense of guilt and shame. Those who need help may not know where to turn, may be unable to find help nearby, or may be unable to afford expensive one-on-one sessions with a private specialist.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) does not include a diagnosis of pornography addiction. Rather, the condition is included within the category of masturbation addiction, which is itself classified as hypersexuality. Because porn addiction is not in a class by itself, insurance companies may not recognize it as a valid disorder and may not see it as a condition requiring professional treatment.

Making matters worse, there is a lack of therapists who specialize in treating porn addiction. Those who do may not be close by, may have long waiting lists or may charge hefty fees for individual sessions. Treatment is complicated by the fact that there is always a dual addiction to both pornography and masturbation.

Getting Help

TreatingPornAddiction.com estimates that there may be as many as 3.5 million people currently addicted to Internet porn who cannot stop on their own. For many suffers, pornography addiction dominates their lives and takes precedence over all else. Addicts try repeatedly to control or change their behavior, but usually find that they are powerless over the addiction. This creates feelings of hopelessness and despair.

All addictions are basically the same. They distort brain function and are characterized by an obsessive-compulsive behavior pattern that's very difficult to break without help. According to RecoveryConnection.org, there may be other problems compounding the condition such as an anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder or depression. Getting an accurate diagnosis must be the first step toward any successful recovery.

Addictions are most successfully treated with the combination of a specialized inpatient and/or outpatient rehabilitation program along with regular participation in one or more 12-step groups. Family therapy may also be required to treat the condition.

Abstinence from the addictive behavior is the first step toward recovery. Attempts to ease off, cut down or control any addiction almost always end in failure. This creates feelings of guilt and hopelessness that can cause addicts to become even more entrenched in their addictions. Addicts can usually only maintain long-term abstinence with the regular and ongoing help and support of others.

Unfortunately, the majority of insurance companies will not pay for the treatment of porn addiction. There are also fewer therapists who specialize in treating this disorder, although their number is growing. There are two 12-step programs, however, where porn addicts may find support and a program of recovery. One is called Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, and the other is called Sex Addicts Anonymous.

Sources:

http://www.recoveryconnection.org/pornography-addiction-treatment/
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/1/prweb9085685.htm
http://treatingpornaddiction.com/store/books/treating-pornography-addiction/