Pornography is a widespread habit in the U.S., with about 40 million adults regularly visiting porn sites, leading to significant revenue and addiction-like behaviors. Research indicates that pornography can cause neurological changes similar to substance abuse, negatively impacting relationships and individuals' perceptions of intimacy and gender. Treatment options are available, underscoring the need for support for those struggling with porn addiction.

1. Pornography: It is Also a Drug
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2. About 40 million adults in the United States, according to statistics, visit porn sites
on a regular basis. This makes pornography viewing a widespread habit, which then
produces billions of dollars in revenue. While this is not taken as a pill, injected,
snorted, or smoked, it provides a direct link to a person’s central nervous system,
particularly the pleasure center, which then translates to instant arousal.
Brain and Pornography
Pornography is a serious problem, which can instantly destroy families and
relationships. It happens in the brain, as certain images and videos can cause
physiological changes in the body, such as shallow breathing, faster heartbeat, and
body sensations. In fact, according to study from Cambridge University, those who
are addicted to pornography showed similar brain activity to those with drug and
alcohol abuse problems.
Like cocaine and methamphetamine, pornography alters the brain chemistry,
releasing a generous dose of dopamine. It stimulates the powerful release of
chemicals, which relate to sexual arousal and falling in love. This then causes the
porn viewers to establish a connection or an emotional attachment to the material,
mainly due to the pleasure it brings. The euphoric feeling it offers is what causes
others to dedicate their time viewing porn.

3. Social Implications
An article published in National Public Radio (NPR) featured a study, noting that
regular exposure to porn causes an increased risk of sexual deviancy or lower age of
first intercourse. It can also cause others to think that women cause rape and that
rapists are normal. A neurological imaging finding supports this, suggesting the men
who view porn perceive women more as objects than as human beings.
The worst thing about port is that it can distort a people’s perception about their
spouse or partner. It is likely the porn user may exhibit aggressive or emotionally
disconnected romantic or sexual behavior, which can make others uncomfortable.
Mental and images and scenarios of porn may also keep playing on their minds,
making it hard for them to feel emotionally connected or intimate with a real person.

4. Sources:
 http://www.renaissanceoutpatient.com/
 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125382361
 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-
news/pornography-addiction-leads-to-same-brain-activity-as-alcoholism-or-drug-
abuse-study-shows-8832708.html
 http://www.webmd.com/men/features/is-pornography-addictive
Porn addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Treatment like
therapies are available, but it is important to provide support and encouragement to
those are battling with this problem. Outpatient and residential centers can provide
treatment recommendations to those who want freedom from pornography.