CRITERIA FOR PORNOGRAPHY ADDICTION
• Recurrent failure to resist impulses to view pornography
• More extensive/longer viewing of pornography than intended
• Ongoing, but unsuccessful, efforts to stop, reduce, or control behavior
• Inordinate amount of time spent obtaining pornography, viewing pornography, and/or being sexual—either through masturbation, or with another person or object, or recovering from sexual experiences
• Feeling preoccupied with fantasy, sexualized thoughts, and/or preparatory activities
• Viewing pornography takes significant time away from obligations: occupational, academic, domestic, or social
• Continuation of behavior despite consequences
• Tolerance—more frequent or intense pornography is needed over time to obtain the desired result
• Deliberately limiting social, occupational, or recreational activities in order to keep time open for finding and viewing pornography
• Distress, restlessness, or irritability if unable to view pornography (withdrawal)
a. dizziness
b. body aches
c. headaches
d. sleeplessness
e. restlessness
f. anxiety
g. mood swings
h. depression
The criteria listed above are the most common signs to look for in assessing a pornography addiction. If pornography addiction behaviors parallel sexual addiction, then a minimum of three of the above ten are needed for a pornography addiction to be considered present. Dr. Carnes has found that most sex addicts have five signs, while over 50 percent have seven.2
