The phrase porn addiction is used by the public to describe an uncontrollable compulsion to consume sexually explicit materials. This compulsion may result in consequences in an individual’s personal, familial, social, and professional life. If you think that you may be suffering from porn addiction, or you’re concerned about someone close to you, please reference the signs and symptoms here. You can also connect to our helpline by clicking the banner below or read ahead first for more information.
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Background of Pornography in New York
As with America’s other 49 constituent political entities, pornography is legal for sale, distribution, or viewing in New York. However, the state has a very complicated history with the industry and provisioning of access to its population.
While many assume that it occurred in California’s San Fernando Valley, the so-called “Golden Age” era of pornography actually began in New York City. Production and distribution were commissioned by the Gambino Crime family in the late 1960s, which they controlled for about a decade prior to the industry establishing firm roots in California. Despite the geographic transition in production, New York’s Times Square remained to be America’s epicenter of brick-and-mortar peep shows, strip clubs, porn cinema, and related product (VHS, magazines, etc.) sales.
A major transition to clean-up the district began in the mid-1990s, led by then-mayor Rudy Giuliani. Regulations were put into place to bar adult establishments from operating near churches and schools in addition to most commercial and residential communities. Of note, is the 60/40 rule that was established in 1998 which deemed that any commercial establishment with at least 40 percent of its space used for adult purposes would be qualified as an adult establishment. Those tipping past the 40 percentile were subject to removal if located in the aforementioned zones. The wiping of the land effectively shuttered more than 170 such establishments around the city. That said, dozens remained in the recesses of New York due to a lack of clarity on what exactly constituted the 60/40 split. This led to an even longer, costly, complicated, and confusing timeline marked by legal battles between New York City’s adult entertainment industry and the city/state. Those interested in learning more can follow the timeline of rulings here.
Regardless of all of the above, pornography is woven into the fabric of the city and state’s population as it is with most everywhere in America. Further, online pornography is not directly regulated by First Amendment rights, to this day, with a ruling confirmed that watching online porn at NYC libraries is permitted, even if unwanted. While the bulk of the pornography is able to remain within NYC, the city developed a complicated relationship with it.
New York State Porn Addiction Stats
Do you feel isolated and alone in your struggle to abstain from compulsive use of pornography? You’re not. In a state approaching 20 million residents, the number of people who are experiencing the same compulsive behavior is growing with the rise of online pornography. Both men and women in addition to young New Yorkers join the rest of the U.S. in sharing the following statistics:
- Median consumption rates of porn are 74.5% among men and 58% among women (source)
- 9% of porn consumers are unable to stop on their own (source)
11% of American men and 3% of women self-report that they are addicted to pornography (source) - More than 30% of surveyed companies have terminated employees for inappropriate use of the Internet, including porn consumption (source)
- 93% of males and 62% of females are exposed to online pornography during their teenage years (source)
- More than 50% of teenagers who have had prior exposure to porn exhibit high-risk sexual behaviors (source)
Online Porn Addiction Therapy Near You in New York
Kindbridge Behavioral Health provides counseling in a confidential and non judgemental virtual environment that is easily accessible whether you’re in Albany, Buffalo, NYC, Syracuse, Yonkersor anywhere else in New York. Our therapists specialize in treating hyper-sexuality disorders in addition to cooccurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and more. Given that there may be a combination of factors that contribute to your compulsion, treatment will likely involve a multi-disciplinary approach. This approach may include one-on-one therapy and participation to support groups depending upon what you’re comfortable with. A qualified therapist is ready for your call or email.
Porn Addiction Therapy for Couples in New York
Problematic use of pornography often impacts more than the individual, but their partner too. In addition to individualized porn addiction therapy, Kindbridge offers couples counseling to New York residents.