The Brains of Porn Addicts

Many people view pornography consumption as a harmless form of entertainment, but emerging studies prove it can have negative impacts on the brain when consumed regularly. Prolonged exposure can alter brain structures, brain function, and consequently, behavior.

How does porn impact the brain?

Several variables must be considered when discussing porn impact, such as frequency of use, age of exposure, the type of pornographic content, and if pre-existing mental health conditions are present. 

These variables are relevant, because without them, conclusions and scientific data are incomplete. For instance, pornography impacts a developing brain differently than a mature brain, and the influence of soft porn is less invasive than the influence of violent porn. 

When it comes to porn addicts specifically, changes in the reward center, cognitive function, and emotional regulation are key areas of interest in neuropsychology.

• The Pleasure and Reward Center: Dopamine, the brain’s primary reward neurotransmitter, is released whenever a person experiences pleasure. When there is a repetitive release of dopamine over time, the reward center of the brain becomes altered, leaving a person needing more stimulus to achieve the same result. As the brain gets used to the constant highs and lows associated with regular porn use, it starts to create new patterns that drive a person to continue watching pornography. ^[1]
• Cognitive Function: Individuals who suffer from porn addiction often struggle with cognitive function, exhibiting impaired decision-making. Most notably, this is demonstrated by preferring short-term small gains over long-term large gains. ^[2] Porn addicts can also have a hard time accurately perceiving the negative consequences of their behavior, which creates a disconnect between their internal moral compass and society’s moral code. 
• Emotional Regulation: Individuals who have difficulty regulating their emotions are more susceptible to reaching for porn in effort to distract themselves. Over time, this pattern can easily morph into a full-blown addiction, leaving them in a cycle of reaching for porn to avoid uncomfortable emotions, only to further dysregulate themselves. 

The neurological impacts of porn addiction

How does pornography alter brain function? Answers to this question are found within the field of neuropsychology, which explores how the brain and nervous system shape behavior and cognition. 

MRI imaging has revealed that porn addiction leads to changes in the brain, citing a direct correlation between more time spent consuming porn and a reduction in grey matter. ^[3] Critics of these findings have raised concerns about whether pre-existing conditions that contribute to grey matter volume loss have been properly accounted for. While it is true that scientific research needs to account for the whole picture, there is ample evidence that porn addiction in particular, negatively impacts the brain. 

The lack of agreement among professionals has less to do with neurological findings, and more to do with the simple fact that the psychological consequences of pornography use often occupies a space between scientific data and incomplete findings. In an effort to create a more well-rounded body of research, more studies are needed on women, adolescents, and other underrepresented populations.

The impact of porn at different ages

There is growing concern over the well-being of children and adolescents who are exposed to porn at an early age. Their limited ability to understand and process the emotional and sexual feelings triggered by pornography, often leaves them confused and in a heightened state of curiosity.

The adolescent brain is more impressionable and susceptible to influence than that of an adult. Early exposure to pornography during the formative years of adolescence has been linked to long-term effects on sexual maturation, sexual behavior, Internet addiction, and overall personality development. ^[4]

While adults are capable of using discernment when viewing porn, they are still affected by the suggestivity, and at times, perversion of pornography. The type of porn consumed has a direct impact on a person’s mental state. Issues such as performance anxiety or body image concerns are common for those who watch soft porn, while an increase in violent or degrading behavior is more commonly linked to aggressive porn.

Regardless of the age of the individual, porn addiction can develop as the brain’s neuroplasticity is altered. This, combined with at-risk contributing factors such as depression, anxiety, or loneliness, increases the chances of developing any type of behavioral addiction, including pornography.

Does porn impact the brain of men and women differently?

Men and women tend to be drawn to porn for different reasons. Yet, when it comes to the research and data, there seems to be more common ground than differences. 

Both sexes experience an activation in the reward center of their brain as dopamine is released in response to sexual stimuli. Both sexes also develop a propensity toward emotional dysregulation, lack of impulse control, and a reduction in good decision-making.^[5]

The most notable differences include sexual motivation, a person’s relationship with social norms, and the emotional feelings pornography elicits. While there are several distinct differences, there are still many unanswered questions. For example, are women less likely to view porn because of social stigma, or do they have less interest due to psychological or biological reasons? Is it possible that social stigma surrounding women’s sexuality contributes to a greater sense of depression and shame, thus curbing their enjoyment of pornography? 

Without considering how cultural norms and societal pressures impact a person’s emotional reaction to porn, pleasure, and sexuality, research cannot tell the whole story.

How does porn impact emotions and mood?

Most people who watch porn initially report positive feelings such as excitement and pleasure. However, the emotional impact of pornography varies based on the frequency in which someone engages with it. Neuroimaging studies have revealed that prolonged pornography exposure can have negative impacts on the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in emotional processing and self-regulation of behavior. ^[6]

Although already discussed, it’s important to revisit how dopamine depletion creates a cycle of urge, fix, regret, and repeat. This cycle is an example of an inability to self-regulate and a lack of impulse control that often ends in guilt and shame. Given the precursors and the aftermath of engaging with porn in an addictive manner, mood and behavior have no choice but to become intertwined. 

The impact of pornography on mental health is an area of growing concern. Researchers and clinicians are working toward a deeper understanding of the neurological impacts of porn addiction in effort to provide greater insight and solutions for those suffering. 

How porn addiction drives behavior

With emotions and behavior connected to one another, it is common for porn addicts to find themselves in situations where their behavior feels incongruent with who they truly are as a person. Studies conclude frequent porn use is linked to behavioral changes such as  objectification, increased risk taking, compulsivity, isolation, and escalating violent behavior. ^[7] Some individuals will go so far as to normalize sexual violence, participate in extreme forms of submissiveness, or dominate their sexual partner in a degrading manner. 

There is debate as to whether extreme changes in behavior are a result of watching porn itself, or if they are related to previous unresolved mental health issues. Regardless, studies confirm a direct connection between high porn use and a shift in perception and ethics. 

Additional behavioral changes include moving from sex and intimacy being a shared experience to a personal, solo experience. When this takes place, connection within the relationship naturally declines, leading to interpersonal challenges.

Getting help for porn addiction

Even though porn addiction isn’t an official diagnosis yet recognized by the American Psychological Association, treatment is available for individuals looking for help. Porn addiction recovery generally rests on the same tenets as other addiction recovery programs, treating the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of the individual. Additionally, most mental health professionals recognize porn addiction as a serious problem, making access to specialized care easier. 

Finding support that can address the whole person is critical to long-term success. Many people  experience chemical and behavioral addictions concurrently. Seeking treatment for a dual diagnosis allows for mental health and addictive concerns to be addressed together, which has been proven to be a more effective strategy for recovery. This approach also improves a person’s overall well-being. 

Do people experience porn withdrawal symptoms?

A common concern for porn addicts is whether or not they will experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop consuming pornography.  In most cases withdrawal symptoms are a part of the healing process. These symptoms can include:

• A temporary increase in irritability, anxiety, and depression 
• Sleep challenges
• Changes in appetite
• Fatigue or restlessness
• Cravings to consume porn or engage in sexual activities
• An increase in stress-related physiological responses

It takes time for the structural, functional, and chemical alterations in the brain to repair themselves. Having the proper support during this time is critical, and a trained professional can offer context, education, and support as a person goes through the withdrawal process.

Quitting porn and healing the brain

Choosing to stop watching porn is a personal decision that can be challenging, but it offers a powerful reward: freedom. By taking the necessary steps to find professional support that feels aligned with someone’s personality and value system, recovery becomes more attainable than if attempted alone. 

Some individuals prefer traditional methods, while others prefer a holistic path. Traditional approaches include medications prescribed by a licensed psychiatrist, talk therapy, trauma treatment, group support, 12 Step programs and SMART meetings, and personal interventions such as emotional regulation techniques. 

Holistic approaches often add on additional healing methods such as brain mapping, supplementation, and neurofeedback, to name a few. These interventions help provide the brain with what it needs to rewire itself so it can return to a healthier homeostasis. Additionally, some individuals find reprieve through joining a spiritual community and drawing upon their faith during times of difficulty. 

Recovery from porn addiction is possible, and many people have already achieved and maintained a successful abstinence. By combining therapeutic approaches, personal interventions, and either traditional or holistic healing practices, it is possible to work through the past and create a healthy foundation for the future.