3 Things You Should Know About Pornography Addiction Withdrawal

Many porn users in Utah and across the United States can find comfort knowing that other people are experiencing similar symptoms as they go through the withdrawal process. In general, some porn users have few symptoms, but others report severe symptoms.

The symptoms of pornography addiction withdrawal are similar to withdrawal addiction symptoms from substances like alcohol, cocaine and heroin.

How Addiction Influences the Brain

Utah residents experience pornography addictions, just like individuals in other states. Porn addiction is different from drug addiction, but the withdrawal symptoms are similar because all addictions share certain neurochemical and cellular changes, which influence specific regions of the brain. The brain releases more dopamine for a new mate than a familiar one. It’s logical that porn triggers a neurochemical roller coaster in many brains because it’s like the individual is experiencing new partners.

Pornography addiction often causes highs to feel great and lows to feel really dark. This up and down is a withdrawal symptom many addicts experience. Furthermore, this symptom is not just physical; it’s emotional, too. Changing emotions can take over your thoughts and change your perception of the world. However, there is hope. Many men who suffer from these deep lows report seeing large improvements after being without porn for a while.

What does Withdrawal from Porn Addiction Look Like?

Pornography addiction withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, restlessness, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, headaches, poor concentration, depression, social isolation and loss of libido. These symptoms can take days to occur, but might last for months to years.

Pornography addiction causes a chemical imbalance in the brain, which is much more than a moral weakness. The brain and body can heal, but it’s just like any addiction. Similar to other dependencies, a small dose here and there — even if infrequent — often renews the cycle.

Stopping the Addiction

Porn users in Utah and across the nation can be startled by the severity of their withdrawal symptoms when they stop using porn. These symptoms serve a purpose and help individuals understand the physical addictiveness of this type of dependency. It may take months to fully recover, but it’s important not to compare progress with anyone else.

If you or anyone you know is suffering with or recovering from a pornography addiction, consider working with one of Utah’s trained specialists that can help you or a loved one receive the proper care.

Christine Mosby is a relationship writer reporter for Fusion 360, a Content Marketing Agency. Information provided by Swinton Counseling.