Does pornography act as the main gateway to developing problematic sexual behaviours. There seem to be conflicting views on whether compulsive sexual behaviour or sex addiction really exist. Hopefully continued research into this area will continue to unearth evidence that justifies therapists like myself to work and help individuals and their partners that suffer with this behavioural problem.
The issue of course is not pornography, it is the relationship the individual has with porn. The use of porn in today’s digital era has expanded because of the ease it is widely available. But when does it change from a pleasure used for heightened stimulation to a behaviour that begins to take control of the individual and have negative consequences? Why do some people enjoy the fantasies that porn provides without becoming hooked? Why can some people take it or leave it? Why do some people enjoy sharing the experience with their partner? Everyone is different.
If you are somebody that is becoming concerned with the dependency you have on pornography the earlier you seek help and talk about it the quicker it will be to control. There is a stigma attached to sexually compulsive behaviours which can be the main reason individuals avoid talking about it, however therapists who work within the sexual field are always open to confidential, non-judgemental discussions.