Is Porn Addiction Real? | Truth Behind Porn Addiction Explained

Is porn addiction actually real — or just a myth? In this eye-opening episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong explores what really happens to your brain when watching porn and why some people can’t stop.

Discover the shocking science behind porn addiction symptoms like emotional numbness, relationship issues, and even erectile dysfunction — all linked to dopamine overload and the brain's reward system.

Ever wondered why millions visit sites like Pornhub daily? What separates healthy habits from compulsive behavior? Is there actually a cure for porn addiction?

This episode explains why porn addiction might be more real than you think, highlighting terms like “compulsive sexual behavior disorder” and “self-perceived problematic pornography use (SPPU).”

You'll also uncover how early exposure, anonymity, and endless access trap users in harmful cycles.Dr. Armstrong reveals how to overcome porn addiction with real mental health tools — backed by cutting-edge 2025 brain research.

If you're looking to understand the truth or want to learn how to quit porn addiction for good, this is the episode you can’t miss.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Is Porn Addiction Real? – Framing the Debate

00:00:56 Diagnostic Controversy: DSM-5 vs. ICD-11

00:01:54 The Brain and Porn – Addiction or Moral Conflict?

00:02:34 Clinical Impairment and Who Is Affected00:03:24 No Consensus – Assessment Challenges and Terminology

00:04:02 The AAA Engine: Why Porn Use Can Become Problematic

00:04:50 Patterns, Tolerance, and Coping Mechanisms

00:05:37 Clinical Reality: Suffering Beyond Diagnosis

00:06:14 Clinical Humility and What’s Next