Among the self-help community, porn addiction is generally classified as a subset of sex addiction. In reality, the two are very different. Those who believe that they or someone they love may be addicted to sex or porn should understand the differences so they can seek the right kind of help.

The biggest difference between the two addictions is that porn addiction involves no interpersonal contact while sex addiction does. According to Psychology Today, porn addicts generally desire a normal physical relationship, but sex addicts desire non-monogamous sexual encounters with any number of people.

Sex addiction is a very serious condition. According to WebMD, sex addiction may involve masturbation and porn use, but those alone are not signs of sex addiction. Sex addiction includes affairs, one-night stands, voyeurism, exhibitionism, the use of prostitutes, and other socially deviant and illegal behaviors. Sex addicts essentially think of nothing but sex. Even nonsexual thoughts are related to their sexual desires. An example would be a sex addict\’s attempt to stalk a potential sexual partner.

People often wonder what could drive a sex addiction considering the many dangers involved. Most sex addicts have a history of childhood abuse. This abuse may be sexual or not. The main factor is that the child did not feel loved growing up, and so normal romantic relationships are seemingly impossible to form.

On the other hand, porn becomes addictive because viewing porn causes the brain to release small bursts of dopamine even leading up to orgasm. Thus, porn addicts are not addicted to the orgasms caused by masturbation. Most porn addicts who try to masturbate without pornography do not experience the same level of satisfaction that they are used to experiencing. Porn addicts often suffer from erectile dysfunction because the overstimulation caused by pornography prevents them from being able to perform in a real sexual situation.

Although the effects of porn addiction are awful, society is more accepting of porn addiction that sex addiction. Using pornography is easier than real interaction, and it doesn\’t cause the same legal and health problems caused by sex addiction.

While it is clear to most people that sex addicts need help, many people argue that regular use of pornography is not an issue because it does not affect others. However, people need to acknowledge that pornography is harming more people all the time. According to Psychology Today, 9 out of 10 college guys uses porn. One out of three college girls use porn as well. According to Brigham Young University, 12 percent of all Web sites are pornographic. The porn industry is a $12 billion industry. Personal beliefs about porn aside, it is evident that porn is sweeping society and is taking its toll on the younger generations.

Although both addictions are serious, they should not be treated in the same way. By understanding the differences between the two addictions, people are better equipped to find help for themselves or their loved ones. If you or someone else needs help there are more experts and resources today than there ever have been.

Brian James has 15 years of experience with addiction and helps run a porn addiction blog at http://pornaddiction.com/

Brian James has 15 years of experience with addiction and helps run a porn addiction blog at http://pornaddiction.com/

Author Bio: Brian James has 15 years of experience with addiction and helps run a porn addiction blog at http://pornaddiction.com/

Category: Self Help
Keywords: porn addiction