Alcohol and Porn Addiction

Alcohol addiction and even general consumption can have a profound effect on porn addiction, and vice versa.

Much like co-occurring disorders, alcohol and porn addiction have a mutually destructive relationship which can ruin relationships, mental health, and life in general.

There are many reasons why someone who is suffering from either alcohol addiction, porn addiction, or both, should seek support from a licensed professional and undergo addiction treatment.

At a drug and alcohol rehab, patients will receive treatment for both conditions.

Because they both have a mutually destructive relationship, subjects must seek to recover from both through concurrent treatment, as opposed to only addressing one condition.

What is Porn Addiction?

Although not a substance use disorder such as drug or alcohol addiction, porn addiction is still a chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry, such as any other addiction, as described by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).

Addiction is the preoccupation and obsession with a particular substance such as drugs or alcohol, or a form of behaviour whether it be gambling, food, sex or porn addiction.

When a subject is suffering from porn addiction, they will experience a loss of control and a compulsion to view and engage with pornography, whether it is online or not.

Taking part in or consuming this substance or form of behaviour will release chemicals in the brain which stimulate the subject’s reward pathways, or mesolimbic pathways.

This then leads to the subject becoming more dependent on the substance or behaviour, increasing their consumption frequency and level, until it becomes an addiction.

Like substance abuse, this then leads the patient to consume or take part more and facilitate their addiction. Subjects who are addicted to porn will proceed to consume varying forms of pornography, especially ones which are deemed to be ‘hardcore’ or extreme.

Misconceptions and Stigmas Surrounding Porn Addiction

Porn addiction can be a subject which is difficult to grasp, more difficult than grasping substance use disorder or substance addiction.

The American Psychiatric Association doesn’t include porn addiction in the DSM-5, but it recognises that it is a sex disorder.

However, the American Psychiatric Association includes gambling addiction in the DSM-5, which is merely another form of behavioural addiction and not a substance addiction.

This means that behavioural addictions are still acknowledged by this organisation and many others.

Many other psychotherapeutic organisations, such as ASAM, recognise porn addiction as an official addiction. This is because addictive substances and behaviours trigger similar chemicals in the brain.

When a person is addicted, whether to a substance or a form of behaviour such as engaging with pornography, they will experience a release of dopamine, adrenaline, oxytocin and serotonin and other endorphins.

This incites pleasure, excitement, and euphoria, making them more dependent and addicted to a particular form of behaviour. It also provides the addicted person a distraction and an emotional escape from the real world, making them even more preoccupied with the behaviour.

As porn addiction shows, non-substance addiction can have a profound effect on the lives of people across the world.

It is not confined to particular demographics. Addiction, whether alcohol addiction or porn addiction, can affect anyone regardless of their age, sex, wealth, beliefs, and so on. Whether subjects are married, in a relationship, or experience low sexual activity, they can still become susceptible to porn addiction.

Symptoms of Porn Addiction

There are many symptoms of porn addiction. And like drug or alcohol addiction, otherwise known as substance use disorder, symptoms can manifest themselves in different ways according to the subject’s mental and physical well-being, along with their addiction history.

Some of the symptoms of porn addiction include but aren’t limited to;

• Compulsion to watch porn even in risky or busy environments
• Relationship issues and breakdown
• Social isolation
• Declining mental and physical well being
• Anxiety and depression
• Low self-esteem
• Preoccupied with pornography despite not watching it
• Irritability when abstaining
• Erectile dysfunction
• Losing interest in sexual activity with others
• Hiding consumption from partner
• Unrealistic sexual expectations which can lead to dissatisfaction and issues within relationships
• Being unable to quit pornography

When subjects are suffering from porn addiction, many areas of their life will be affected. This includes their social life, sexual life and romantic relationships, occupational and academic performances, and so on.

One significant reason for this is that they are preoccupied with not only watching and consuming pornography but they are spending most of their time online rather than with their friends, family, or loved ones.

This can lead to poor mental well-being, and also social isolation. Their friends, family, and loved ones will also disapprove of their absence or even be left feeling isolated.

Those addicted to porn also experience residual hypnotic trance, where they spend hours consuming pornographic content but it feels like a short amount of time.

Consuming too much pornographic content can also present an immense range of problems within romantic and sexual relationships.

Not only can frequent masturbation and porn consumption lead to erectile dysfunction, which alcohol can also contribute to, but it creates unrealistic expectations within relationships which then lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

How Alcohol and Porn Addiction Affect Each Other

Porn addiction and alcohol addiction, or even just alcohol consumption have a profound effect on each other.

Subjects suffering from either form of addiction will reach a point where their addictive substance or behaviour reaches a point which is no longer enjoyable, yet they have rooted and compulsive desires to consume either alcohol, porn, or both.

When a subject suffers from two disorders, it is called a co-occurring disorder.

And often, those who suffer from porn addiction do not suffer from that addiction alone, but they suffer from co-occurring disorders with alcohol addiction being the other condition.

Some studies have discovered that around 1 in 3 people addicted to porn either suffer or had suffered from alcohol addiction in the past.

One reason for this could be that both alcohol and pornographic content offers a form of escapism for subjects. Both alcohol and porn can release mood-altering chemicals in the brain related to pleasure and euphoria, meaning that subjects will feel better in the short term.

Alcohol can temporarily increase testosterone and dopamine, having a significant effect on the subject’s libido by enhancing their sex drive. This will facilitate sexual activity and the consumption of pornography. In the long term, however, alcohol can cause a significant decrease in a subject’s sex drive and libido.

Additionally, when they are suffering from withdrawals of these chemicals such as endorphins or serotonin, they will begin to experience a heightened sense of anxiety, irritability, and more. This can lead to an increase in sexual performance anxiety, erectile dysfunction, social anxiety, social isolation, and much more.

Triggers for Alcohol and Porn Addiction Relapse

There are many things which could trigger a relapse in subjects who are trying to abstain. Aside from the typical withdrawal symptoms that patients may experience, they may be susceptible to falling into a relapse if they experience;

• Psychological or Physical Pain
• Emotional Stress
• Boredom
• Frustration
• Insomnia / Difficulty Sleeping

Subjects should recognise the signs to prevent a relapse. By learning about relapse prevention planning strategies such as HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired), subjects will become capable of warding off a relapse in the event of physical, mental, or emotional cravings.

Co-Occurring Disorders: Treating Porn and Alcohol Addiction at Rehab

Unfortunately, subjects suffering from alcohol addiction and porn addiction may think that they need to prioritise what seems to be more detrimental to their health. Additionally, patients may know they are suffering from alcohol addiction, but not a porn addiction.

This means that many people suffering from both disorders seek support for their alcohol addiction but not their porn addiction.

However, at a drug and alcohol rehab, we can help patients find treatment for their co-occurring disorders. This means that patients will receive treatment for two conditions which are affecting their lives.

Co-occurring treatment is imperative for those who suffer from multiple conditions such as substance use disorder and porn addiction.

This is because while someone may assume that they should primarily address their substance addiction, their other condition may also facilitate their addiction.

At a drug and alcohol rehab, a dual diagnosis will be made to offer concurrent treatment for their alcohol and porn addiction.

It is important to help patients overcome other issues in their life if they are to be able to overcome their alcohol addiction effectively. This is the same for patients suffering from addiction depression, PTSD, and so on.

Therapy for Alcohol Addiction and Porn Addiction

Treatment and therapy are not limited to one form at a drug and alcohol rehab. Instead, rehab facilities offer a range of treatments to address many of the impacting variables of the complex disease that is addiction.

One patient’s addiction will vary drastically from the next. For example, a subject’s addiction may stem from biological factors, whereas another may have fallen into addiction due to social and environmental factors.

Because of this, the addiction treatment programme should be personalised to address these unique variables.

1.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural  Therapy is typically included in any reputable and comprehensive addiction treatment programme.

While it doesn’t specifically address addiction itself, it helps patients identify and discard some of the negative thought and behavioural patterns that they display and which impacts their alcohol addiction and porn addiction.

This form of treatment has the desired goal of helping patients develop healthier mindsets, habits and coping mechanisms.

Not only are these skills and new perspectives beneficial towards alcohol or porn addiction, but they will help patients overcome many issues in life.

2. Dialectical Behavioural Therapy

Similarly, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy aims to help patients overcome some of their negative thinking and behavioural patterns.

However, what differentiates this form of therapy from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is that it is targeted towards patients who experience intense feelings and emotions.

The purpose of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy is to help patients manage any intense emotions and feelings that they may have.

Anger, irritability, low self-esteem and self-pity are all symptoms of alcohol addiction and porn addiction. By helping patients manage and redirect their thoughts and feelings, they will become less judgemental of themselves.

3. Holistic Therapy

Holistic Therapy is a unique form of therapy because it can mean many different things depending on the rehab facility and also the patient.

For example, Holistic Therapy can range from equine therapy to adventure therapy, cooking and music therapy, yoga and fitness, mindfulness and acupuncture, and so on.

The benefits of Holistic Therapy are that they treat the patient physically, mentally, and spiritually, promoting general well-being rather than targeting particular symptoms.

Patients who undergo Holistic Therapy tend to experience a significant stress reduction, and a significant increase in happiness, sociability and general well-being.

4. Family Therapy

To be able to communicate in a safe environment about their alcohol or porn addiction, subjects need to be able to share their thoughts and feelings with those closest to them.

Family Therapy can help remove the stigmas surrounding their loved one’s addiction by educating them on the complexities of addiction.

Not only will this create a safe environment for the addicted person, but it will also create a stronger and reinforced support network.

The family will learn about how they can support their loved one and help them manage any of the cravings which may potentially result in a relapse.

Habits to Cope with Alcohol and Porn Cravings

Outside of rehab, there are many habits and activities that subjects can adopt to overcome their cravings and prevent a relapse. Some of these activities include;

• Exercise
• Mindfulness Meditation
• Art Therapy
• Communicating with Loved Ones

1. Exercise

Exercise is a healthy way in which subjects can release positive mood-altering chemicals in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin. It provides a myriad of physical benefits as well as mental benefits.

What exercise means to someone is very flexible. Exercise can mean walking, running, lifting weights, yoga, martial arts, and so on. Taking up hobbies in the form of exercise gives subjects a new way of focusing on and achieving new goals while reaping the physical and mental benefits.

When people do exercise consistently, the progress is very measurable and tangible.

For example, subjects may notice that they can run further, lift heavier weights, or gain flexibility. This can activate behavioural activation which can then decrease anxiety and social isolation by facilitating positive experiences.

2. Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness Meditation is very effective because it can help subjects overcome intrusive thoughts and self-judgement. By practising focusing on the breath, the body and the mind, subjects will become more rational and non-judgemental.

This means that patients will be able to process information as exactly that, instead of being emotionally biased and letting their feelings overcome them.

Mindfulness Meditation can have a tremendous effect on the reduction of stress and increase grey matter in the brain, which helps subjects with their emotions, memory, and more.

3. Art Therapy

Art therapy can come in the form of drawing, painting, sculpting, and more. When words fail to communicate what the subject is feeling, they can turn to art therapy to display their thoughts and emotions on a blank canvas.

This form of therapy can help subjects express their thoughts regarding their alcohol or porn addiction to help them process the difficulties emotionally. By externalising what they are thinking, subjects can experience a significant stress reduction.

4. Communicating with Loved Ones

The simple act of communication can relieve subjects of stress monumentally. By reaching out to close friends and family members and discussing their difficulties, the subject is expanding and reinforcing their support network.

Addiction is a complex subject, and many still do not understand the severity that it can have or that it is officially classified as a disease.

By communicating with close friends and family members, subjects can help understand how they can support them throughout their recovery.

Signs of Alcohol Addiction

Signs of alcohol addiction can manifest themselves in many different ways, and they will vary according to each patient and his or her unique variables.

Because alcohol is both a physically and psychologically addictive substance, it can present symptoms which are both physical and psychological.

These symptoms include but aren’t limited to;

• Preoccupation and compulsiveness to consume alcohol
• Irritability
• Shame or guilt
• Anger when confronted about consumption
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Erectile Dysfunction and change in libido
• Fatigue and Lethargy
• Anxiety and Depression
• Diarrhoea
• Trembling
• Seizures

If you are frequently consuming alcohol and you are suffering from some of these symptoms, you may be suffering from alcohol addiction.

When this is the case, it is important to seek a diagnosis from a licensed professional to acquire the support that you require.

Subjects can gain more insight into their addiction by accessing alcohol screening tools which are available to them.

Some of these alcohol screening tools include questionnaires such as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and also the CAGE Substance Screening Tool. However, professional diagnosis is always essential.

Contact Rehab 4 Alcoholism Today

If you are suffering from alcohol addiction, porn addiction, or both, contact us today.

You can reach out to us by dialling the number 0800 111 4108 from the UK or by dialling +44 345 222 3509 internationally.

It is important to recognise that both substance addiction and behavioural addictions such as alcohol and porn addiction can ruin lives. The sooner that you act, the more likely you will be to overcome addiction.

When you contact us at Rehab 4 Alcoholism, you will be greeted by a friendly trained admissions officer. Here, you can ask a range of questions, or you can undergo a health / pre-admission assessment to enter a drug and alcohol rehab if you are ready.

The health assessment, while it sounds formal, merely consists of questions regarding your physical and mental health history, addiction history, co-occurring disorders (e.g. porn addiction, PTSD, depression) and any specific requirements that you have entered a drug and alcohol rehab.

References

[1] Sex Addiction 101: A Basic Guide to Healing from Sex, Porn, and Love Addiction https://books.google.co.th/books?id=sMDmBwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=Alcohol+and+Porn+Addiction&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjC6u7Xkpj5AhVv-DgGHSR7BGwQ6AF6BAgIEAI#v=onepage&q=Alcohol%20and%20Porn%20Addiction&f=false

[2] American Society of Addiction Medicine https://www.asam.org/

[3] The Addiction and Recovery Formula https://books.google.co.th/books?id=j2acDwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=Alcohol+and+Porn+Addiction&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjC6u7Xkpj5AhVv-DgGHSR7BGwQ6AF6BAgKEAI#v=onepage&q=Alcohol%20and%20Porn%20Addiction&f=false

[4] Bargains With Chaos: Sex Addicts and Addiction Interaction Disorder https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Bargains-With-Chaos%3A-Sex-Addicts-and-Addiction-Carnes-Murray/7d06440f030552917bcefcb196a84a2c2ec9bc4e?p2df

[5] Cognitive Behavioural Therapy https://www.rehab4alcoholism.com/alcohol-treatments/cbt

[6] Equine Therapy for Addiction https://www.rehab4alcoholism.com/alcohol-treatments/equine-therapy

[7] Family Therapy for Addiction https://www.rehab4alcoholism.com/alcohol-treatments/family-therapy

[8] Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test https://auditscreen.org/

[9] CAGE Substance Abuse Screening Tool https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/johns_hopkins_healthcare/downloads/all_plans/CAGE%20Substance%20Screening%20Tool.pdf