The science behind porn addiction is still uncertain, but here is what we know about treatment.

The rise of the Internet has triggered and exacerbated various types of addictive behaviors from gaming to gambling to shopping. But perhaps the most common and well-known is online pornography.

Pornography use has increased significantly over the last decade, mostly because it has what addiction experts refer to as the “triple A” influence: accessibility, affordability, and anonymity.

And while many people say they’re able to keep their pornography consumption under control, others cannot. Many individuals have asserted that pornography has ruined their relationships, their ability to be intimate, and even taken over their lives.

Pornography addiction is not an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5).

When the DSM-5 was being drafted, experts considered adding a diagnosis called “hypersexual disorder,” which would have included pornography as a subtype. But the final decision was to leave it out, based on the fact that there wasn’t enough scientific literature to substantiate it.

There’s still controversy over whether excessive pornography use is an actual behavioral addiction — like gambling or shopping — or perhaps something else. A 2013 UK study of 226 men found that frequent pornography use may be closer to a compulsion than an addiction.

The study findings show that certain traits — neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and obsessive-checking behaviors — were linked to high porn use. It’s possible that men who fall into these behaviors may have more compulsive personalities.

Research shows that people with behavioral addictions tend to show the following problems:

  • Impaired control: cravings, failed attempts to reduce behavior.
  • Impairment: narrowing of interests, neglect in other areas of life.
  • Risky use: continuing use despite awareness of damaging psychological effects.

However, whether behavioral addiction symptoms also meet other physiological criteria for addiction (withdrawal/ tolerance) is more debatable.

While it’s still unclear whether or not pornography use is a diagnosable addiction, it’s certainly harmful for some individuals. A study that looked at behavioral addictions among 51 participants with substance use disorders found that 9.8% believed they also had an addiction to sex or pornography.

Other research on couples has shown that problems can occur when only one partner — typically the man in a heterosexual relationship — uses porn very frequently. In these cases, there’s a tendency to withdraw emotionally from the relationship. These men report less intimacy, more depression, and greater secrecy.

Pornography use is also problematic when its use becomes so frequent that it starts to interfere with a person’s job, social life, or sex life. Many people with porn “addiction” find it difficult to become aroused by real-life partners, even when they find their partner sexually attractive.

Since so many questions remain regarding the reasons behind hypersexual behavior and pornography use, there are very few studies looking at potential treatment options.

In general, treatment for pornography “addiction” generally involves psychotherapy and potentially medication if other mental illnesses seem to be involved.

Psychotherapy can be very beneficial in helping you understand and change your behavior. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that focuses on rewiring unhelpful thinking patterns, may be helpful for managing pornography consumption.

A study of participants with pornography “addiction” found that even while CBT improved depressive symptoms and quality of life, it failed to reduce online pornography use. Other studies of CBT use for pornography addiction have been made but they haven’t led to any reliable conclusions.

Other therapy options that may be beneficial when addressing shame and guilt and restoring trust in relationships include:

One randomized controlled trial looked at acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) among 28 men with pornography “addiction.” ACT is a type of intervention that increases mental flexibility via mindfulness and behavior-changing strategies.

While the findings show positive results, the sample was quite small and only focused on a very specific population (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.).

Available research on medication for problematic pornography use focuses on paroxetine (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and naltrexone (addiction medication). While paroxetine helps decrease anxiety, the study found that it failed to reduce the behavior itself.

Four case studies on naltrexone for pornography addiction have been conducted, and the findings range from good to moderate. In one of the studies, however, the participant was also taking sertraline so it’s unclear how much can be attributed to naltrexone.

Here are some tips you can try at home to avoid pornography use:

  • Delete and block all porn apps and sites. If you’re trying to quit, delete any computer files with pornography and block porn websites. If having a computer in your room is too tempting, it might be helpful to bring it into the living room.
  • Talk with a therapist. A therapist can help you uncover a deeper reason for the behavior. If you treat the root of the problem, you’ll likely be more successful in limiting pornography consumption.
  • Focus on why you want to quit. Rather than focusing on how difficult it is to resist the urge, remember why you’re quitting. Write down your reasons where you can see them everyday.
  • Find a new fun hobby. Take up a new hobby that you can look forward to without the guilt. Is there an activity or sport you’ve always wanted to pursue? Now would be a great time.
  • Spend more time with others. Consider taking time off from the Internet, so you can stay engaged with real life. Hang out with your partner, family, or friends. Get into nature. These are all great for mental health in general.
  • Consider having an accountability partner. If you have a close friend with whom you can share your intentions, ask if they’d help you by checking in regularly to see how you’re doing. This will give you more incentive to stay on track
  • Meditate. Practicing mindfulness meditation is a great way to focus on the present moment and gain more control over your thoughts.
  • Join a support group. There are numerous support groups, both online and in-person that you can attend for porn “addiction.”

While specific terms and definitions vary, pornography “addiction” generally falls under the umbrella term “sex addiction,” which is also called “hypersexual disorder” or “hypersexuality.”

Specifically, hypersexual disorder (commonly referred to as sex addiction) refers to excessive and uncontrollable sexual thoughts, desires, urges, or behaviors that cause distress and harm to your relationships, finances, and other areas of your life.

Research suggests that sex addiction may include several types of sexual behaviors:

  • porn use
  • excessive masturbation
  • cybersex
  • phone sex
  • excessive sexual behavior with consenting adults
  • repetitive promiscuity
  • strip club visits

Sex addiction, or hypersexuality, typically refers to a dysfunctional level of frequency or intensity in otherwise typical urges and fantasies. The disorder is estimated to affect 3%-6% of the population, though it’s difficult to know for sure.

Over the last decade, pornography use has increased significantly due to its accessibility, affordability, and anonymity. For many people, its excessive use has hurt relationships, led to intimacy problems, depression, and greater secrecy.

Porn addiction is not an official diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR, and there’s still controversy over whether its use is a behavioral addiction or a compulsion. Because of this, there is a lack of research on treatment options.

If you struggle with pornography, know you’re not alone, as this behavior is very common. Consider reaching out to a therapist to help you discuss your treatment options. It might also be helpful to join a support group, talk with a close friend, or find a new hobby to help you focus your mind elsewhere.