Stages of Porn Addiction
Porn addiction follows a basic cycle of steps. The following information will give you more details on what is going on underneath the different stages of porn addiction. Knowing the steps is the first step towards freeing yourself from the porn addiction cycle.
Stage 1. Mild exposure – once or twice a year, no affect on regular life.
Stage 2. Pornography use does not indicate addiction – occasional looking at pornography with increased interest.
Stage 3. Signs of trouble – person looks about once a month, usually tries to avoid, but occasionally urge get so strong that cannot be controlled, and person gives in.
Stage 4. Individual notices increased sexual fantasies, and attempts to control them, which results in stronger withdrawal symptoms.
Stage 5. Pornography impacting day to day living with significant portion of the day spend thinking about pornography.
Stage 6. Pornography dominates most of the day to day lives, affecting work, school, and personal relationships.
Stage 7. Pornography and acting out consumes most of individuals time, leaving him feeling completely out of control.
This "staged" definition of porn addiction is very practical, and it allows individuals to recognize the signs of trouble and begin seeking help prior to arriving to stage 7.
If your current situation has you concerned enough that you are exploring the possiblity of getting help for your pornography addiction - it’s time. If now is not the time, ask yourself: "How much worse will it have to get before you are willing to act?"
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