Pornography has become increasingly problematic for both men and women in the United States. Though porn addictions are experienced by men in higher rates than women, it does affect both sexes. At one time, if a person wanted to indulge in pornography, they would have to purchase a magazine, buy a video or go to an establishment which specialized in this type of “entertainment.”  A person would have to physically leave their home. Today, it is possible for those who want to view porn to do so right from their home. Pornography can be found in abundance on one's personal computer or laptop. With this type of accessibility, the number of individuals with porn addictions has skyrocketed.

When a person has a porn addiction, they will have a compulsion to view pornography either via print or video.  In extreme cases, individuals may not even want to engage in traditional sex, but instead, would rather indulge in pornography.

An addiction to porn can be very damaging. It might affect an addict’s ability to relate to others sexually. They may be unable to think of little else but the images of naked persons engaged in sex acts or sexual poses.

Some porn addictions are not only harmful, but illegal. Individuals that look at pornography that has images of underage persons, or acting illegally, could face jail time if caught.

A pornography addiction is very serious. It is not something that an addict should simply accept and learn to live with. An addiction that goes unchecked can cause a myriad of problems, including broken relationships and an inability to function normally sexually.  Some individuals with an addiction to porn also segue into unsafe and deviant sexual acts. This can be quite risky and cause harm to the individual and the partner they are having sex with. Risky sex can also lead to the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including ones that there is no cure for.

Individuals with a porn addiction may find it necessary to speak with someone, most likely a counselor. A trained professional can help individuals uncover the root of their problems and help them develop strategies and safeguards so that they can get a handle on and then eliminate their addiction to porn.