By Suleiman Tajudeen
…continued from last week
…pornography addiction is gaining attention globally, with many experts advocating for awareness, education, and support.
Signs and symptoms
Excessive use: Spending increasing amounts of time viewing pornography, often to the point of neglecting other activities.
Loss of control: Difficulty controlling or limiting pornography use, despite negative consequences.
Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing anxiety, irritability, or restlessness when unable to access pornography.
Tolerance: Needing to view more extreme or intense pornography to achieve the same level of arousal or satisfaction.
Neglect of responsibilities: Ignoring responsibilities, such as work, school, or relationships, due to pornography use.
Escapism: Using pornography as a way to escape from negative emotions, stress, or other problems.
Deception: Lying to others about pornography use or hiding the extent of use.
Relationship problems: Experiencing relationship difficulties or conflicts due to pornography use.
Sexual dysfunction: Experiencing decreased sexual satisfaction, erectile dysfunction, or other sexual problems due to pornography use.
Continued use despite negative consequences: Continuing to use pornography despite negative effects on mental or physical health, relationships, or daily life.
Major causes
Biological factors: Dopamine release and brain chemistry play a role in the development of addiction.
Psychological factors: The psychological factors contributing to pornography addiction include stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Social and cultural factors: Accessibility, social norms, and cultural attitudes towards sex and pornography can influence individual behavior.
Dopamine release: The release of dopamine in response to pornography can contribute to the development of addiction.
Brain chemistry: Changes in brain chemistry, particularly in regions related to reward and pleasure, can contribute to the development of addiction.
Trauma and stress: Trauma and stress can contribute to the development of pornography addiction as a coping mechanism.
Social learning: Social learning theory suggests that individuals may learn to associate pornography with pleasure and arousal.
Cultural normalization: The normalization of pornography in some cultures can contribute to its prevalence and acceptance.
Lack of education: A lack of education about healthy sexuality and relationships can contribute to the development of pornography addiction.
Complexity: Pornography addiction is a complex issue, influenced by multiple factors.
Major effects
Relationship problems: Strained relationships, feelings of betrayal, and decreased intimacy can result from pornography addiction.
Mental health issues: Anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, and decreased self-esteem can be consequences of pornography addiction.
Sexual dysfunction: Decreased sexual satisfaction, erectile dysfunction, and distorted views of sex can result from excessive pornography consumption.
Social isolation: Withdrawal from social interactions and decreased engagement in activities can be a consequence of pornography addiction.
Decreased productivity: Excessive pornography consumption can lead to decreased productivity and performance in work or school settings.
Negative impact on mental health: Pornography addiction can have a negative impact on mental health, contributing to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Impact on relationships: Pornography addiction can impact relationships, leading to feelings of betrayal and decreased intimacy.
Sexual health consequences: Excessive pornography
Prevention
Prevention strategies include:
Education and awareness: Educating individuals about the potential risks and consequences of pornography use.
Healthy relationships: Fostering healthy relationships and communication skills to reduce the likelihood of seeking validation through pornography.
Coping mechanisms: Developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and other emotions to reduce the need for escapism through pornography.
Self-regulation: Encouraging self-regulation and self-monitoring of pornography use to prevent excessive consumption.
Supportive environment: Creating a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their struggles with pornography use.
Parental guidance: Providing parental guidance and education on the risks of pornography use among adolescents.
Media literacy: Promoting media literacy to help individuals critically evaluate the content they consume.
Healthy sexuality education: Providing education on healthy sexuality and relationships to reduce the appeal of pornography.
Community involvement: Encouraging community involvement and social connections to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Professional help: Seeking professional help when needed to address underlying issues that may contribute to pornography addiction.
Management
Management strategies include:
Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of therapy can help individuals address underlying issues and develop healthier behaviors.
Support groups: Joining support groups can provide a sense of community and accountability for individuals struggling with pornography addiction.
Self-help strategies: Setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and engaging in alternative activities can help individuals manage their behavior.
Accountability partner: Having an accountability partner can provide additional support and motivation for individuals working to overcome pornography addiction.
Technology management: Using technology management tools, such as website blockers, to limit access to pornography.
Mindfulness and self-reflection: Practicing mindfulness and self-reflection to increase awareness of triggers and patterns of behavior.
Healthy coping mechanisms: Developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and other emotions to reduce the need for escapism through pornography.
Relationship repair: Working to repair relationships damaged by pornography use through open communication and empathy.
Personal growth: Focusing on personal growth and development to increase self-esteem and confidence.
Ongoing support: Recognizing that recovery from pornography addiction is an ongoing process and seeking ongoing support and guidance when needed.
It is essential to approach pornography addiction with compassion and understanding, recognizing that individuals struggling with addiction deserve support and treatment in order to reduce the urge for this addictive behavior in totality.
References
Kamal, M. S., Adan, M. M., Mohammed, I., Sani-Udu, M. (2024). Prevalence, causes and impacts of pornography consumption among adolescents in Wamakko Local Government Area, Sokoto State, Nigeria. Daengku Journal and Social Sciences Innovation, 4(5), 2775-6165. https://doi.org.10.35877/454RI.daengku/2749. Retrieved 3rd Sept., 2025.
Lee, S. (2020). How Many People Actually Watch Porn? Psychology Today. Retrieved from (link unavailable)
Okunola, L. J., Muideen, O., Adeponle, A., & Fakunle, A. (2022). Internet pornography viewing mental health of viewers and socio-demographic determinant of the behavior among youth in Ogun State, Nigeria. Journal of Social Behaviour and Community Health. https://5brh.ssu.ac.ir(pdf). Retrieved 4th Sept., 2025.
Smith, J. (2020). Adolescent Pornography Addiction: The Role of School Environment and Parental Responsibility in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria. International Journal of Academic Health and Medical Research, 10(2), 12-20.
Williams, P. (2022). Pornography Use Among Young Adults in the United States. BYU Ballard Brief.
Dr Suleiman Tajudeen is Director, Clinical Psychology, LUTH (Retired) & CEO/Director of Clinical Psychology, Clear Mind Psychological Consult, Km 15, Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos State. +234 803 402 4457
