Over the last two decades, a significant body of research has unequivocally shown that individuals can indeed grapple with addiction to pornography. At our SABR program serving families in Scottsdale and Mesa, we have had the privilege of working with countless men and young adults who are facing the challenges of porn addiction. This issue is not just psychological; it involves neurological and chemical adaptations that unfold over time as a result of consistent pornography use. When it comes to porn addiction, it's often a slow, insidious process that may go unnoticed until it has a firm grip on your life, consuming both your time and daily routines.

Recognizing whether you are dealing with porn addiction can be the first step towards seeking help. Here are some common signs and indicators:

1. Feeling Out of Control: You may find yourself unable to stop using porn, even if you've made promises to quit numerous times.
2. Conflict with Personal Values: Despite knowing that your porn use conflicts with your personal values or beliefs, you continue to indulge in it.
3. Secrecy and Concealment: You go to great lengths to hide your porn consumption from others, fearing judgment or discovery.
4. Preoccupation: When you're not watching pornography, you're preoccupied with thoughts of when you can do it again.
5. Inappropriate Risk-Taking: You take risks by engaging with porn in places where it would be considered inappropriate, such as at school or work.
6. Neglecting Important Activities: Pornography begins to overshadow essential aspects of your life, such as your education, career, or spending quality time with friends and family.
7. Impact on Relationships: Your use of porn starts to negatively affect your relationships, leading to feelings of disconnection and mood swings.

Addressing and overcoming a pornography addiction is a challenging journey that requires time and professional guidance. There are no quick fixes or magic solutions. If you've attempted to quit in the past and struggled, know that you are not alone; many individuals face similar challenges. It's important not to let past setbacks erode your self-esteem. You are not inherently flawed; you are simply dealing with an addiction.

To seek help and support on your path to recovery, it is advisable to connect with a therapist or coach who has specialized training in addressing pornography or sexual addiction, often denoted by a CSAT credential (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist) or a SAS credential (Sex Addiction Specialist). We invite you to reach out to us for a complimentary 15-minute consultation with one of our therapists trained in pornography addiction in Mesa, Arizona. Call us at (800) 614-8142 to take the first step towards healing and recovery, or visit our WEBSITE.