Pornomania is the scourge of modern men. Countermeasures

2024 Author: Seth Attwood | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 15:55

For an animal, life by instinctive stimuli is completely normal, since due to the underdevelopment of the cerebral cortex, animals are for the most part adequate to themselves and their population. But when a person does not use the potential for development given to him and is at the animal level, this is a clear degradation.

He who does not curb lust becomes like animals.

Leonardo da Vinci

Biochemical differences between healthy sexual intercourse and porn addiction

In The Millennium Drug or Brain Science versus Internet Pornography, Mark Castleman gives a very detailed description of the processes taking place in the brain of a person who watches pornography.

For clarity and clarity, the author first explains how the brain functions during healthy sexual intercourse. He then compares these processes to the brain processes that occur when watching porn.

He describes both processes as Funnel flight … The upper (wide) part of the funnel is the normal state of our consciousness, when we fully experience the real world and are aware of what is happening around. As soon as we begin to perform actions of a sexual nature, our attention begins to narrow, and narrows until there is sexual release. After that, we begin to slowly return back to a normal view of the world.

The author also gives a detailed description of the chemicals that are released inside the body during intercourse. The following passages from The Drug of the New Millennium book explain this process:

In a healthy marital relationship, sexual intimacy leads to powerful physical, emotional and chemical changes.

Narrowing process:

At the “top of the funnel”, spouses are in a state where they can enjoy the full picture of the world around them and perceive the people around them. Then, as they physically converge, their consciousness begins to narrow and focus on each other. Sexual release is an event characterized by the "narrowest" and most focused state of the brain. For it to happen, the brain needs to be completely focused and disconnected from all distracting thoughts (work, children, money, etc.).

Release of natural chemicals:

Dopamine. An increase in the level of dopamine in the brain contributes to the maximum concentration of attention, in this case, partners concentrate on each other, in general, helps to strengthen relationships.

Norepinephrine. This substance is responsible for arousal and stimulates the flow of energy by releasing a portion of natural adrenaline into the bloodstream. Norepinephrine has also been linked to dramatic improvements in memory. This explains the fact that lovers often remember the smallest details of events and the behavior of their beloved.

Testosterone. Testosterone is known as a hormone of sexual desire in both men and women. For men, however, it is a key hormone responsible for desire, positive energy and overall well-being.

Oxytocin … Oxytocin, produced during sexual release, acts as a natural tranquilizer, lowers blood pressure, reduces sensitivity to pain and stress, and induces drowsiness.

Serotonin … This natural substance is produced immediately after sexual release, causing a feeling of deep satisfaction, peace and relaxation after exertion.

As the husband and wife walk the funnel together, their sensations are more than just the production of certain chemical compounds in the body. Not only their bodies are connected, but also consciousness, soul, heart.

Sexual release in a healthy couple is a kind of culmination of many things that people have experienced together, everything that makes up a normal marriage - everyday life, household chores, raising children, etc.

When a person goes through the funnel as a result of watching pornography, the physical and chemical processes in his body are almost identical to those described above. However, there are also fundamental differences …

Narrowing process:

At the top of the "funnel" (before watching pornography), a person is in a state where he fully and adequately perceives the surrounding reality. Porn addicts describe this state of their own as "reality" or "public self." Then the person, just like the married couple, begins to block attention from all distracting things, only the blockage in this case is much stronger - it closes completely. He is alone. The object on which attention is focused is the picture. Soon, the details of real life (work, money, bills) seem to be clouded and fade into the background, as a person blocks all thoughts about the family, about morality, about unfulfilled obligations and consequences.

Dopamine:The increase in dopamine levels in the brain promotes extreme concentration. This leads to the fact that the person does not pay attention to anything other than the pornographic image, on which he is completely and completely focused.

Norepinephrine:This substance is responsible for arousal and stimulates the flow of energy by releasing a portion of natural adrenaline into the bloodstream. Norepinephrine has also been linked to dramatic improvements in memory. This explains the fact that a porn addict can remember the details of a viewed porn video or picture for many years.

Testosterone: Pornography promotes the release of testosterone, which in turn makes you want to watch more pornography.

Oxytocin: Oxytocin acts as a natural tranquilizer. It is after him that a person is "chasing", trying to cope with stress and life problems.

Serotonin: The release of this substance contributes to the emergence of feelings of peace, satisfaction and peace. Most often, a person turns to pornography in order to achieve this feeling and again "escape" from stress.

More than just sexual satisfaction:

In fact, there is more than just sexual arousal going on in this pornographic funnel. If sexual arousal is removed from the process in a healthy married couple, then any semblance of sexual intimacy will cease. In the process of sliding down the "pornographic funnel", a person is overwhelmed by a wave of conflicting and confusing pictures and messages. Visual images are imprinted as emotional memories in the brain even before the logical center has time to realize what happened. When the logical center realizes this, it forms a response in the form of "fight or flight". The adrenal gland releases cortisol, the “stress hormone”, which in turn triggers a host of micro-processes in the body to resist stress. In fact, the whole process of watching pornography is super-intense and puts a huge load on the body, much more than just sexual arousal. The human body is not designed to tolerate such a volume of conflicting stimuli and pathogens. This is why many neuropsychologists refer to pornography as "visual cocaine."

"Empty" climax:

When a person uses pornography to achieve sexual gratification, the brain gradually becomes accustomed to the pictures, becomes less receptive to them, and finally gets tired and stops responding to them. It now takes longer or more varied imagery to reach the same level of arousal. In a normal relationship between spouses, sexual intimacy is only part of life. All other impressions and incidents spouses inevitably "bring into the bedroom", bringing variety to the sexual life, as a result of which the brain does not have time to get used to and get bored.

Back to reality:

When a person returns from the throat of the "pornographic funnel" to reality, the fog caused by the porno drug dissipates very quickly. The ability to think rationally returns, and the person begins to think: "What have I done?", "What have I thought?" But the problem is that he didn't think. As soon as he was sucked into the "pornographic funnel", he completely lost the ability to think. A sharp increase in the level of specific chemicals in the body takes away the ability to think logically and explain one's actions. The frontal part of the brain - the logical center of the brain - simply shuts down, and the limbic system, which is responsible for pleasure and emotional sensations, wins.

The cycle of dependency formation

1. Increased susceptibility - alone at home, fatigue, loneliness, stress, boredom. Reflex existence instead of a conscious way of life.

2. Stimulus (trigger) - video, picture, sound, smell, memory.

3. Emotions - excitement, curiosity. Thoughts - "I wonder …", "What if …"

4. Chemical reactions - body and mind change. Body - increased heart rate, muscle tension, Mind - justifying thoughts, consciousness gives way to subconsciousness. Discharge.

5. Remorse.

Reflecting on your actions after the start of a chemical reaction is the last chance to realize what is happening and take urgent rescue action.

After the discharge occurs, our brain leaves the “autopilot” state and we “regain consciousness”.

Usually negative emotions such as guilt, disgust, and even self-loathing are a consequence of this realization. But, oddly enough, they only increase the dependence, since they interfere with taking constructive actions to get out of the situation.

It should be remembered that any addiction brings pain and suffering, interferes with setting and achieving life goals, however, a person always has a chance to wake up, overcome himself and learn to see the real state of affairs. Addiction is the worst thing that can happen in life, but defeated addiction will be one of the best life lessons and your personal victory, which will start a completely different life.

Countermeasures

Some of the proposed methods can be used for other addictions - gaming, computer, tobacco, etc.

Preventing situations of increased susceptibility

Good sleep, good food, interesting work or hobbies, plenty of water. Setting goals, filling life with meaning.

Deliberate shielding from incentives

Tracking and suppressing trigger fantasies, thoughts, surrounding signals.

Delayed actions

If you are in the grip of a strong emotion that prompts you to do something, just put off doing that action for a short period of time. For example, if you are very angry with a coworker, send him an angry email, but do not send it yet. Keep it on the computer until it cools down. Or you have a brilliant idea and you are pleasantly excited. Write this idea down on a piece of paper and leave it until tomorrow. The next day, when emotions subside, take a fresh look at this idea - will it be just as attractive? Also choose something that gives you pleasure, and try to put it off for 10-15 minutes each time (morning cup of coffee, etc.).

Breathing control is the secret key to brain responses

Every time you notice that you are beginning to react emotionally to the situation, start breathing deeply. For example, if someone “cut off” you on the road and thereby provoked a flash of anger in you, immediately start breathing. Likewise, if you see something on TV or on the street that reminds you of your addiction, try to do a breathing exercise. Inhale for a count of 10, hold your breath for 10 seconds and exhale for a count of 10. Repeat this exercise until it becomes easier.

Personal list of positive changes

Make a list of what you will personally receive after getting rid of addiction, for example:

- more time for a loved one and friends - better relationships;

- the ability to convert sexual energy into the energy of creativity and creation;

- the emergence or renewal of the former interest in hobbies and creative activities;

- the return of romance to a relationship with a partner;

- a sense of purity and honesty before oneself;

- the ability to honestly look people in the eye, keep someone else's gaze, social activity

- more time for good rest and joy;

- no fear of being caught in lies and indecent actions, no need to make excuses;

- more energy to realize your goals and projects (financial well-being, personal skill, health, etc.)

Concentrate mentally on a "dangerous" situation in which you usually lose control of yourself, track the start of chemical reactions (the easiest way to track it by the pulse). When you feel your body's response, say out loud your personal list of positive changes similar to the one posted above. Try not to just pronounce, but to visualize each benefit as clearly as possible. Think about each word, imagine how you will feel yourself in each situation. Try to create a vibrant and vibrant image of your healthy future. With the help of control measurement of the pulse, you can record positive shifts over time.

When a real "dangerous" situation arises, this general technique is applied in a similar way.

Feed the right wolf

… Once an old Indian told his grandson about the struggle that is constantly going on inside each person. He said, "There are two wolves fighting continuously within us."

One of them is evil. He personifies anger, jealousy, sadness, regret, envy, self-pity, guilt, resentment, anger, lies, self-superiority, false pride and selfishness.

The second wolf is kind. It is joy, peacefulness, love, hope, purity, modesty, kindness, philanthropy, compassion, generosity, truthfulness, mercy and honesty.

The grandson thought a little and asked: "So which wolf wins?"

To this the old Indian replied simply: "The wolf that you feed wins" …

Old man

Your past is the result of choices you once made. Your future will be the result of what you choose in the present

There are many roads to follow, and they all lead to different places. The only question is where you want to go.

Try to imagine yourself in old age. You only have a few minutes to live; You’re already lying on your deathbed. You look back at your life and understand that even if it was not always perfect, however, in general, you lived it not badly at all. You are proud of yourself and the life choices you have had to make. You feel that now you are ready to leave this life calmly.

What choice do you need to make now?Which direction to go to become that old man in the future?

Maybe you will understand that you want to have a strong family, or you want your work to make sense for yourself and bring joy. Or maybe you will understand that that old man will be glad if you now decide to be an honest, strong and strong-willed man?

Other techniques

If necessary, analyze other methods of getting rid of the dependency on specialized resources, for example:

Continuation:

Pornomania is the scourge of modern men. Part 2

Pornomania is the scourge of modern men. Part 3

Pornomania is the scourge of modern men. Part 4

Pornomania is the scourge of modern men. Part 5

Pornomania is the scourge of modern men. Part 6