Porn Addiction Counseling – When is it Needed?

When Does Someone Need Porn Addiction Counseling?

That’s a question we get a lot here at The Freedom Model. The answer to this question requires some explanation and understanding of what’s at play with this class of challenges.

What is Porn Addiction or PMO?

“Porn or sex addiction” or PMO (porn, masturbation & orgasm) addiction as a disorder or disease of the brain is a relatively new idea (compared to the 80+ year substance use addiction disease model). While it hasn’t been officially labeled as a disease or disorder yet (2024), the writing is on the wall that it will soon be given the same inaccurate and misleading classification. There is too much money to be made by big pharma and the rehab industries in “treating” a problem of this kind to let it remain seen as the self-created habit it is.

The Increase in PMO Habits and Exposure to Pornography

The trend of increased problematic PMO habits coincides with the universal surge in public exposure to internet pornography. Additionally, international issues like human sex trafficking, child pornography, and forced prostitution have become more normalized in Western civilization. While PMO and extreme sex habits are nothing new (think ancient Rome), the distribution channels for such content have become far more efficient, making the exposure more culturally universal.

Addiction Mythology and the Porn Addiction Myth

The increase in PMO issues has been amplified by the same addiction and recovery mythology that the substance use arena struggles with. These myths include the false addiction disease theory, misleading hijacked brain theories, the disempowering addict self-image, and destructive shaming. The abstinence-only approach, unnecessary residential and IOP behavioral addiction treatment, harmful 12-step cult memberships, and many other inappropriate solutions create deeper confusion, pain, false hope, and eventually hopelessness.

Choosing the Right Porn Addiction Help

The point here is this: be mindful of the porn addiction counseling you seek. Don’t be led down a path of greater confusion by being told you have a sexual disorder or dysfunction. In reality, you may have a deep preference for engaging in pornography or other chosen fetishes. While these habits can disrupt your life goals and priorities, they are not involuntary. You are not “addicted.” You are choosing this habit, despite the costs and pain you may endure for it.

Avoid Disempowering Counseling Approaches

Avoid any sort of porn addiction counseling that increases fear, self-hatred, guilt, shame, or other paths that feel disempowering. People move past or moderate these habits every day, and in huge numbers. You can, too. This is important to remember.

If you are ready to get help for your PMO habit, The Freedom Model offers The Freedom Model Solution to PMO Workshop & Coaching Packages. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your options, you can contact us at 1-888-424-2626