Porn Addiction Withdrawal: Symptoms and Recovery
Last Updated on October 8, 2022
There are a lot of parallels to be drawn between addiction to alcohol and other substances and addiction to porn. Porn addiction can cause uncomfortable symptoms, which are collectively referred to as porn addiction withdrawal, just like substance addiction. These become apparent after you have stopped the behavior.
What exactly is Porn Addiction withdrawal ?
In order to experience the symptoms of porn withdrawal, you must first be addicted to pornography. Substance use disorders are extremely complicated conditions.
This is due to the fact that pornography and other sexual acts of a similar nature cause changes in the chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine. Because of the pleasurable effects of dopamine in the brain, individuals who are addicted to a substance or behavior may engage in it repeatedly.
But, when you quit or cut back on the behavior, your brain will be out of whack because it will have an abnormally low level of dopamine and an abnormally high level of dynorphin. This can cause withdrawal symptoms for those addicted to porn.
What Are Porn Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms?
For the majority of people, engaging in porn and masturbation is a harmless habit. But for some people it causes immense trouble as they become addicted to it. And any attempt to stop it right away will result in intense cravings and, eventually, a return to watching porn.
The following is a list of some of the most typical withdrawal symptoms that people experience after giving up porn and engaging in Nofap practices:
- Worsening of anxiety and stress levels
- Agitation
- Mood swings
- Memories of pornography
- Low libido
- Trouble sleeping
- The compulsion to monitor any sexual behavior
- Sexual dreams
- Low energy
In addition, the symptoms of porn addiction withdrawal can last anywhere from 20 to 35 days, depending on the individual and the extent of their dependency.
Managing Porn Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms
It can be difficult to manage the withdrawal symptoms of pornography addiction. However, these measures will reduce the severity of the withdrawal symptoms and improve your chances of making a full recovery from porn addiction.
Don’t Isolate Yourself
Isolation will be a natural response to the withdrawal symptoms you are experiencing. Being alone can exacerbate your symptoms during times of crisis, especially when temptation levels are high.
Focus on the Here and Now
One of the most important ways is to stay in the present moment and not worry about the past or the future. A key component of meditation is learning how to live in the moment and stay present, which has long been regarded as a useful tool for recovery.
Accept The Fact That You Are Addicted
Denial is a coping mechanism that will keep you trapped in your addiction. Before you can begin to fix something, you have to acknowledge that it is a problem in the first place.
You can’t do it all at once
Addiction to porn or masturbation is a battle that must be waged day by day. Take a moment to appreciate the small victories that come your way each day.
Resources To read about porn addiction
- How to Identify and Treat a Pornography Addiction
- Online Porn Addiction: What We Know and What We Don’t
