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Addiction to pornography is just that – an addiction. Because it’s effect on the person is stronger than just being a habit.

This diagram illustrates the vicious cycle of pornography that leads to addiction.

In stage 1 a person views pornography. In stage 2, this person masturbates to orgasm. In stage 3, the person experiences feelings of guilt. And in stage 4, the person has a need to feel good again – leading back to stage 1.

Pornography becomes an addiction because masturbation and orgasm physiologically provides reward to the viewing of pornography and comfort for the feelings of guilt – but at the same time also creates the need for a new cycle of pornography viewing, because of the feelings of guilt that come afterward.

It is similar to being addicted to a drug – in stage 1 you take the drug, in stage 2 you experience feelings of euphoria, in stage 3 you experience withdrawal, and in stage 4 you desire to feel good again – and since that drug offers the promise of euphoria, you are drawn into the cycle of addiction.

This means that it’s harder to stop a pornography habit than we might think – it’s akin to coming off a drug addiction! Because you are not merely trying to stop an activity – but trying to break an established cycle of addiction. And because the chemicals you have have become addicted to are not purchased from a dealer – but are created in your very own body in masturbation and orgasm (adrenaline, endorphins and something called phenylethylalanine)!

[ PS: how then do you beat a pornography addiction? ]