It might sound bogus, but there’s a lot of evidence to support it: When used excessively, pornography damages the mind. In our digital age, pornographic material is available almost anytime. More and more people are wising up to its addictive potential, and that’s because the effects are becoming undeniably apparent. Among populations afflicted with depression, low libido, social anxieties, and other mood-related ailments and conditions, compulsive pornography usage has become a common, yet underreported, theme.
Neurons and Neuroplasticity
When two separate brain cells are activated at the same time, the brain releases chemicals to strengthen their connection. These neural connections are responsible for the associations we form between various emotions, concepts, visuals, etc. The human brain is neuroplastic, meaning the neural fabric is constantly reorganizing itself. If this were a game of Tetris, pornography would be the block to land incorrectly and block everything below.
Pornography and Dopamine
Pornography is just one substance-free activity known to have drug-like effects on the brain. Video games, television, and even exercise can be equally addictive–and destructive. Constant dopamine flow overwhelms the brain, which then begins deactivating its dopamine receptors. This causes those activities to become less and less exciting, but that’s hardly the problem, because you need those receptors to feel joy from anything.
Similar to how substance abusers increase their dosages, pornography addicts constantly need new material in order to become sexually excited. As a result, many compulsive porn users develop problematic sexual interests or behaviors. Desensitization to normal sex can cause relationships to suffer, and outlandish sexual urges can cause severe behavioral problems. All this is exacerbated by weakened neural plasticity, which is essential for decision-making.
Moving Forward
Slowly but surely, neurons regenerate. If you’re finding yourself viewing pornography compulsively, it’s a good idea to replace those hours with more productive, yet enjoyable, activities. Get writing. Get building. Get composing. Give your neural circuits some time to heal, and allow yourself to rediscover the joys of delayed gratification, of the thrill of the hunt.
Addiction comes in many forms.
If you need advice or help with an addiction of any kind,
contact Blueprints.