Porn addiction is a form of sex addiction. To define it, we need to talk about pornography first. It can be roughly defined as sexually explicit or arousing images, written works, or other materials which are based in sexual content or subject matter. Like sex addiction, the addictive component in porn addiction occurs when it is used to medicate past trauma, seeking chemical highs, escaping from reality, and other similar circumstances. You might be addicted to porn.

Others partake of it occasionally, and others on a regular basis. But experiencing an uncontrollable compulsion to view porn can be as problematic for some people as other behavioral addictions. A Kinsey Institute survey found that 9 percent of people who view porn have unsuccessfully tried to stop. This survey was taken in But research suggests that behavioral addictions are serious. One review article concluded that internet pornography shares basic mechanisms with substance addiction.

Pornography addiction can seriously damage relationships and take precedence over important functions and responsibilities in someone's life. If you have a porn addiction, the behavior is compulsive. What separates a porn addiction from a keen interest in porn is the negative consequences of your behavior. With porn addiction, you spend an inordinate amount of time watching porn instead of interacting with others or completing important tasks. The behavior persists even if it harms your career, relationships, or state of well-being.

Porn addiction refers to a person becoming emotionally dependent on pornography to the point that it interferes with their daily life, relationships, and ability to function. This type of addiction may be quite common. Some doctors consider porn addiction to be a hypersexual disorder — an umbrella term that includes behaviors such as excessive masturbation.