Why is Porn So Addictive?

In this episode, Scott Brassart discusses the addictive nature of pornography, and why it's such a hard "drug" to quit. Scott and Tami then answer participant questions about porn addiction and recovery support for both the addict and the partner.    TAKEAWAYS: [:30] Porn, written porn, and 'not porn' – all from a porn addict's perspective.  [2:47] What makes so appealing porn to addicts?  [4:20] The two elements of pornography that make it highly addictive.  [12:45] What is happening inside your brain while watching porn?  [13:51] Porn, cocaine, and orgasm payoffs, ranked by pleasure levels.  [16:20] Why do some addicts have a physical library collection of porn?  [19:38] By escaping, porn addicts miss out on the good as well as the bad.  [24:48] Should I start using video editing apps to take away erotic content?  [27:20] What is the difference between porn addiction and compulsive porn usage? [28:23] Is there anything healthy about sexualizing myself in a performative way?  [31:07] Is any element of porn usage healthy? [34:12] As a sex and porn addict, is there any scenario where I could view porn in a healthy manner?  [38:30] Is sex itself ever going to be satisfying enough for my porn addict partner?  [42:13] How do I protect myself from rewiring my brain into an addict's brain?  [45:30] Is my addict partner trying to escape our marriage?  [48:58] If we have sex every night will my partner stop cheating?  [50:47] How can I be the best cheerleader to my partner through recovery?  [52:01] Is watching porn considered cheating?  [55:10] Resources that focus on grief and loss of porn addiction.    RESOURCES: Seekingintegrity.com Email Tami: [email protected] Sexandrelationshiphealing.com Intherooms.com Out of the Doghouse: A Step-by-Step Relationship-Saving Guide for Men Caught Cheating, by Robert Weiss Prodependence: Moving Beyond Codependency, by Robert Weiss Sex Addiction 101: A Basic Guide to Healing from Sex, Porn, and Love Addiction, by Robert Weiss Cruise Control: Understanding Sex Addiction in Gay Men, by Robert Weiss Seeking Integrity Podcasts are produced in partnership with Podfly Productions.    QUOTES "If I'm looking at an image to get a physical arousal, it's porn, whether somebody else would classify it as porn or not."  "Porn addict brains and cocaine addict brains are indistinguishable.  The parts that are over and under developed look exactly the same."  "Addictions are not about pleasure.  They're about escape."  "There is nothing in a TV show that is worth me losing my recovery."  "There is no 'just one' for addicts."  "There is not a partner on the planet that can make their addict not act out if they're ultimately going to."