Drug Addiction
More often than not, drug addictions start with an experimental use of a drug in social situations. And for some people, the drug use becomes more frequent. As time passes, a person may feel the need to use more of a drug to get their desired high, and soon a person may need the drug to simply feel “normal.”
Drug addiction symptoms and behaviors include, among others:
- Feeling the need to use the drug regularly, which can be daily or multiple times a day
- Having intense urges for the drug
- Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect
- Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
- Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities
- Doing things you wouldn’t normally do to get the drug, such as stealing
- Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the drug
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug
- Failed attempts to quit using the drug
Pornography Addiction
Many people are occasional users of pornography to enhance sexual arousal. Pornography proliferates on the internet and can be accessed easily from a computer or even one’s smartphone with few or no impediments. Pornography use, however, can become excessive and compulsive use can lead to negative consequences. Understood most simply, a pornography use disorder is any use of porn that causes negative consequences in a person’s life. Those who use pornography regularly may have intense urges or cravings for sex. They turn to porn when they’re anxious. They also may struggle at work and at home. Relationships may suffer. Even in the absence of external consequences, porn use can create inner conflict with moral and religious values leading to feelings of shame and anxiety. Definitions about how much porn is too much — how much is “excessive” — vary. But most experts agree that if it interferes with your day-to-day activities, you could be addicted.
Pornography addiction symptoms and behaviors can include:
- Using pornography in greater amounts or over longer periods of time than intended
- Trying to stop using porn and not being able to
- Having difficulty controlling porn use
- Using pornography in situations that impose physical dangers or other risks
- Continuing to use pornography despite negative effects on work or relationships.
If you can relate to any of the above symptoms or behaviors, it may be time to consider addiction therapy. As an addiction therapist, I will address the symptoms of your addiction and the related areas of impaired functioning, and together we’ll structure the time and content of your ongoing recovery.
I believe that there are many paths to successful recovery that will work with your goals and desires, and ensure you can make the life changes you want to make. Contact me today for a free consultation.