To clarify, this article isn’t for those who are seeking some new medium to consume sexual content and subsequently perform manual stimulation. An online search of that nature uncovers a variety of interesting replacement options offered by common media sources, one involving the use of a honeydew melon (seriously). Instead, the intent is to provide those who are concerned that they may have an addiction to porn with substitutes that don’t lead to the same unhealthy consequences. Negative signs and symptoms of the disorder include the following:
- Excessive periods of time (hours or days) spent searching for and watching porn.
- An inability to stop consuming porn after efforts have been made to pause it.
- Increased intensity or type of sexual content viewed to get the same arousal and stimulation.
- Lack of interest in other activities.
- Expressed anger and defensiveness when asked to stop by a concerned partner.
- Lying to romantic partners about consuming porn.
- Using alcohol or drugs in conjunction with porn.
- Social and/or familial detachment.
- Inability or disinterest in forming lasting romantic relationships.
- Loss of interest in sexual relationships with spouse or partner.
- Feelings of shame or depression regarding consumption.
- Compulsive masturbation (including at work and in public spaces).
- Violating school or workplace policies regarding consumption of elicit materials when on-premises.
- Soliciting prostitutes to fulfill porn fantasies.
- Stress, anxiety, and depression.
So what is porn addiction? It is defined as such:
“A behavioral disorder where sufferers struggle with excessive and problematic viewing of graphic, sexually-explicit material. Porn stops being something they watch purely for entertainment and starts consuming their thoughts at all times.”
KINDBRIDGE
Research shows that porn addiction is evident in 3-5% of the population in the United States, although, a recent survey finds that 11% of American men self-identify as porn addicts. The discrepancy between actuality and self-reporting is understandable. Given that median consumption rates of porn are at 74.5% among men, and 58% among women, millions of Americans can certainly identify at least one not-so-positive consequence that habitual porn consumption has had on their lives. It’s why hundreds-of-thousands of individuals come online each month to perform a search for alternatives to pornography that are healthier for the mind, body, and soul. That is what we’re here to answer.
As America’s leader in mental/behavioral health support services for disorders that other providers shy away from, Kindbridge has successfully covered topics such as healthy alternatives to gambling and substitutes for problematic video game play. It’s only natural for us to expand further with a deep dive into compulsive porn consumption. So what are effective and healthy alternatives to pornography that can help you break its hold over your life? Let’s find out!
3 Healthy Alternatives to Compulsive and Problematic Pornography Consumption That Actually Work
1. Get Physical (and do it outdoors)
Watching pornographic content produces a chemical reaction – the release of dopamine – in the brain. Dopamine is a “feel good” chemical that our bodies want more of, and we will relentlessly chase it. Masturbation, which typically accompanies porn consumption, also causes the body to release dopamine. Over time, the brain and body become accustomed to this psychological and physiological response and consumption must ramp-up to sustain the same relative responses. From here, habitual and compulsive behavior is formed which leads to what millions of Americans refer to as an addiction to porn.
Understanding the dopamine connection leads to the healthier alternative that you’re looking for. Physical fitness activities rooted in athletics, exercise, and sport also result in a notable release of dopamine:
“Recent research has revealed a significant link between exercise and improved cognitive performance, attributing this enhancement to increased dopamine levels. This discovery, involving sophisticated PET scans to monitor dopamine release in the brain during exercise, indicates that dopamine plays a vital role in boosting reaction times and overall brain function.”
Neuroscience News
Be sure to incorporate outdoor fitness into this new and healthier regime. Exposure to natural light that accompanies outdoor fitness participation further encourages dopamine release, along with oxytocin. Oxytocin responses are evident during sexual arousal and orgasms related to porn consumption. Furthermore, tap into coastal waters if you live in proximity. Medical studies have measured notable increases in serotonin, oxytocin and dopamine for those engaged in ocean-based outdoor activities.
2. Get Cooking (and make it steamy)
If you have the slightest passion for the culinary arts, use your goal to abstain from habitual porn consumption as an opportunity to explore it further. Cooking can be a perfect substitute.
“Food and sex are also physically connected in the limbic system of the brain, which controls emotional activity generally. They walk a similar emotional line and bring out similar types of reactions. They bring out dopamine, which is the hormone that signals cravings. Dopamine plays a huge part in humans; we have no higher desires than to eat and reproduce.”
Spoon University
Of course, you don’t want to trade one addiction (porn) for another (food) so be sure to focus your culinary exploration towards nutrition. In other words – make it steamy! Steaming is one of the healthiest cooking methods, as it preserves the nutritional content of food, protecting vitamins and minerals that will stimulate both physical and cognitive health. Additionally, steaming can help with weight management, digestion, and gut health. Several studies show that the gut–brain axis influences the development of anxiety and depression, which often cooccur with porn addiction, making cooking a win-win as an alternative to pornography.
3. One-on-One and/or Group Sessions
Close the browser with pornographic content, and open another that provides you with access to a one-on-one online session which someone who understands what you’re going through, without judgement. Kindbridge Behavioral Health has experts on staff who specialize in porn addiction counseling. We also offer group therapy sessions that occur in a confidential, safe, welcoming virtual environment. While you may assume that counseling is treatment (which it is) versus an alternative to problematic porn use, please note that studies show that the social element of group therapy can also result in the release of that feel good neurotransmitter we’ve been discussing above. Ultimately, dedicated counseling will bring about greater awareness of the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that have revolved around your currently problematic use of pornography. That is certainly a healthier use of your time online.
Concerned About Your Relationship with Porn?
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