#Episode 139: Recovery From Porn Addiction Takes More Than Just Quitting w/ Dr. Trish Leigh
Aug 22, 2024
auto_awesome
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Trish Leigh, a cognitive neuroscientist and sex addiction recovery coach, tackles the complexities of recovering from pornography addiction. She emphasizes that merely quitting isn't enough; effective recovery involves rewiring the brain to combat negative effects such as erectile dysfunction and relationship issues. Dr. Leigh also underlines the importance of structured recovery plans and open communication in healing, providing insights on how to reclaim mental and emotional health.
Successfully overcoming porn addiction necessitates not only quitting but also rewiring the brain to repair emotional and relational health.
The reliance on porn leads to addiction-related neurobiological changes that impair intimacy and emotional regulation in relationships.
Deep dives
The Impact of Porn on Brain Development
Porn addiction disrupts normal brain development, which typically progresses from childhood through to the age of 28. This disruption can lead to maladaptive behaviors, where individuals turn to porn for mood regulation, particularly when experiencing stress or boredom. As a result, the healthy development of emotional and self-regulatory skills can be hindered, leaving individuals with heightened impulsivity and compulsive behaviors. Ultimately, this reliance on porn creates a new 'homeostasis' in the brain, where high dopamine levels are necessary for well-being, making it difficult to break free from addiction without addressing these neurological changes.
The Connection Between Pornography and Sexual Self
Over time, individuals develop a link between their sexual self and porn, leading to dissatisfaction in intimate relationships. This connection often manifests as a preference for porn and masturbation over real-life sexual experiences, resulting in a skewed perception of partners and a lack of intimacy. With the addiction to porn, fantasization about past pornography combined with masturbation can create further disconnect from partners, causing communication barriers and unresolved emotional issues. As this divide deepens, it contributes to relationship dissatisfaction and emotional dysregulation for both partners involved.
Healing Through Neuroplasticity and Advanced Techniques
Addressing porn addiction requires a comprehensive approach that combines understanding its neurological impact with strategies for recovery. Utilizing techniques such as neurofeedback can help rewire the brain, allowing the reward centers to resensitize and restore healthy arousal levels. Moreover, committing to a detailed recovery plan can facilitate the transition back to healthy living, free from porn's influence. This process empowers individuals to assume responsibility for their healing journey, fostering healthier emotions and relationships moving forward.
1.
Understanding the Complexities of Porn Addiction Recovery
Recovering from a pornography addiction requires more than just quitting!🚨
To successfully overcome the harmful effects of explicit matter, you need to not only leave the screen behind, but rewire your brain.
With out unwiring, rewiring, and hardwiring the brain, you can still be left with some of the negative side effects from porn addiction. These effects can include: ❎Erectile dysfunction ❎Relationship issues ❎Trouble socializing ❎Trouble concentrating ❎An inability to find your partner attractive And much more.
If you're looking for help on overcoming the effects from explicit matter, I'm here to help!: ➡️To get your brain assessed: https://drtrishleigh.com/qeeg-brain-map/ ➡️To enroll in a porn addiction recovery program: https://drtrishleigh.com/get-started/
Hi. I am Dr. Trish Leigh, a Cognitive Neuroscientist, and Sex Addiction Recovery Coach. I am on a mission to help people heal their brains from porn use. My podcasts are designed to help you learn that: 🎯Porn Damages Your Brain, 🎯Porn Impairs Your Mental and Physical Health, and 🎯Porn Destroys Your Relationships.
Subscribe to this channel for 🧠 tips to: ✅Quit Porn for Good ✅Heal Your Brain from Porn ✅Get Motivated in Your Life ✅Repair Your Mental & Physical Health ✅Heal Erectile Dysfunction
If you need more help, I can work directly with you. Check out the programs below. https://drtrishleigh.com/