Introduction
For most people, pornography is something that can be temporarily enjoyed and then is never thought about again. For others, the fact that your boyfriend is addicted to porn becomes so entrenched in their lives that it has a devastating effect on their relationships.
If your boyfriend’s habits have spun out of control and his porn use has become an actual addiction, there are signs that tell you it may be time to move on.
Access to pornography viewing
If your boyfriend has become so obsessed with pornography that his viewing habits and attitudes appear to be out of control, this is a red flag.
Additionally, if your partner has been viewing porn for a prolonged period of time, it can become an addiction, as some research has shown that pornography can be just as addictive as drugs.
The longer porn becomes a part of his life, the more embedded it may become within his mindset, and the more challenging it’s going to be for you to have a healthy relationship.
He chooses pornography over intimacy with you
Your intimate moments with your boyfriend should obviously be special and cherished, yet if his mind and heart are constantly somewhere else – in the world of pornography – then these moments will never become what they should.
Your boyfriend’s inability to be completely open with you and to express his true, deeper desires in an honest and genuine way could be a sign that the fact that your boyfriend is addicted to porn has spiraled out of control.
Obsession over certain sexual acts
As pornography has an influence beyond what you can see, this can affect the kind of sexual activities that you and your boyfriend may engage in or the kind of attachments he may become attached to.
He may start to become fixated on certain types of sex play or may become fascinated with themed porn, all of which could be a cause for alarm.
Different attitude towards you
When the fact that your boyfriend is addicted to porn starts to take hold, your boyfriend’s opinions and attitude towards you may begin to change. While he may have been affectionate and caring, these feelings may now seem absent, with him becoming distant, unresponsive, and perhaps a bit cold towards you.
If you’ve noticed any of the above signs in your partner, it’s possible that their porn use has developed into an addiction, which can be a major obstacle to having a healthy and fulfilling relationship.
It’s understandable to want to work things out with your partner if the fact that your boyfriend is addicted to porn still leaves you with feelings for them, yet it is important to realize that the fact that your boyfriend is addicted to porn is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
What to do if your boyfriend is addicted to porn
If your boyfriend is addicted to porn, it is important to approach the issue with care and understanding. Here are 10 steps to take if your boyfriend is addicted to porn:
- Talk to him about it. It is important to have a non-judgmental and compassionate discussion with him about his porn addiction. Ask him how it has been affecting his life.
- Get educated. Do some research to understand the complexities of pornography addiction and how to best address it.
- Seek professional help. Enlisting the help of a mental health professional or addiction therapist can be beneficial in managing the addiction.
- Explore underlying issues. Identify and discuss unresolved emotional issues that may be driving his use of pornography.
- Offer support. Let him know that you are there for him and will support him in his journey to recovery.
- Address underlying relationship issues. Work on resolving any conflicts that may be present in your relationship.
- Prioritize physical intimacy. Engaging in physical intimacy can be a healthy way to re-establish a bond and connection in the relationship.
- Limit access to pornography. If necessary, limit access to pornography sites to help him stay away from them.
- Try alternative activities. Participating in activities together can be a positive way to reduce his use of pornography.
- Practice self-care. Take time out for yourself and pursue hobbies and activities that bring you joy.
Conclusion
Before deciding whether you should stay or leave your partner, it’s important to have a talk with them and discuss the gravity of their situation and let them know that it’s something that needs to be addressed if the relationship is to continue.
If your partner is not willing to take the steps needed to overcome their addiction, then perhaps it is best for you to consider leaving them.
The fact that your boyfriend is addicted to porn can take a huge toll on relationships and can be very difficult to repair, so the best course of action may be to seek help from a professional therapist who can help your partner work through their addiction and address the underlying issues.
