How Can A Poor Self-Image Result In Substance Abuse Problems
You may ask yourself just How Can A Poor Self-Image Result In Substance Abuse Problems. Well there can be many reasons for turning to drugs to get relief, but low self esteem is a common one. When someone has a low opinion of himself, he can try to remedy this by a self-forgetfulness.
As most pornography users will admit, there is no such thing as just one more look. Addiction comes easily and quickly.
And, as with a drug addict, the brain habituates and is no longer able to get high on the same erotic images and stimulating visuals that once turned him on. Therefore, he must seek more – more graphic, more carnal and more lascivious.
Often pornography was used initially to increase arousal during sex. But the longer it is used the more it has the opposite effect. Men find then that they must use the images and scenes they viewed in pornography. And often want to act it out because “run of the mill” sex just doesn’t produce an orgasm. So, eventually, sexual intimacy with a spouse becomes difficult, or may be altogether cast aside because the only stimulation that works is the pornography.
There is no longer healthy sexual intimacy and the pornography addict becomes impotent in these three ways:
1. Physical Impotence Getting aroused becomes increasingly difficult without continually seeking new pornography sources. Arousal with a spouse eventually becomes difficult or impossible because of addiction that the brain has to this potent drug. And just like the physical drugs, the brain/body needs more of the same thing to get the same rush.
2. Intimacy Impotence But physical (or erectile) dysfunction is only one “impotence” brought on by pornography addiction. Crippling to relationships is the “intimacy impotence.” The husband now begins to choose the lonely, cold “self-satisfying” option with electronic images because he is no longer able to connect with his wife and enjoy the emotional and physical intimacy of a healthy marriage.
3. Control Impotence Now the addict is compelled to seek out pornography. They are always seeking just one more look, just one more picture, just one more video – always promising themselves that this is the last one. And although they now need it to fulfill sexual craving, they probably don’t even find it emotionally satisfying. The behavior may produce shame and guilt, followed by a desire and perhaps a promise to self to stop, but the addict to pornography is now impotent to self-control and the behavior becomes a strong or irresistible impulse (in other words – a compulsion).
Sexual addiction is also an intimacy disorder, where the addict has difficulty with being truly intimate in a relationship. The sex addict, in an attempt to get the sexual compulsivity under control, may believe that if they get married or focus all their sexual activity or energy in the relationship, that their sexual acting out will stop. They believe that their need for porno, one-night stands, fantasy, (or whatever their sexual drug of choice is), will go away.
See before after meth for some scary looking picture you may recognize.
