Understanding Porn Addiction: Impacts and Recovery Solutions

Porn addiction is classified as a process addiction or behavioral addiction. “These addictions are compulsive behavior patterns in which a person repeatedly engages in an activity despite the negative impact that follows from it.” Of the process addictions “…gambling disorder is presently the only condition in the subsection of “Non-substance-related disorders” in the category of “Substance-related and Addictive Disorders” 

How does porn addiction start

Most people first experiment with porn the same way they might experience it with drugs. They’re curious, and it feels good. Over time, however, they might start relying on porn to satisfy their sexual needs. Just like with mood-altering substances, they need to watch more porn to meet their urges. The long-term effects of porn addiction can affect: intimacy between partners, your partner’s self-esteem, satisfaction from sex, daily functioning, alter brain reactions to pornographic cues and encourage mental health disorders.

What are the effects?

Frequent porn use can lower relationship quality in many different ways. For example, it can make it more difficult for men to experience arousal in response to sexual stimuli other than porn. It can also cause couples to experience a steady decline in sexual and other kinds of intimacy. Using porn significantly increases the risk of infidelity and loss of long-term relationships. Additional effects of porn addiction can include money problems and job loss.

The long-term effects of porn addiction are not limited to adults. As porn is so easily accessible, research has shown that children encounter porn at the age of 11 years. The long-term effect of porn addiction in teenagers include: Stunting natural sexual development; setting unrealistic expectations for sex; may increase pregnancy and STD Rates; increasing rates of child pornography; negative body image; and increased technology dependence. (3)

Treatment for long-term porn addiction includes individual therapy; relationship therapy; support groups; psychiatric medication; and holistic and lifestyle changes.

Stories of Recovery

• The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
  Oliver VG
  Read more
• On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
  Johan B
  Read more
• I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
  Carla S
  Read more
• "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
  Angelique J
  Read more

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What type of drug is nyaope?

Nyaope (also called Whoonga) is one of the cheapest, most widespread and dangerous addictive substances in South Africa. The drug emerged between 2000 and 2006 in the Tshwane townships of Mamelodi, Attridgeville and Soshanguve.

Nyaope has become the common street slang for the concoctions of substances (like rat poison, household detergents, ammonia, chlorine, ARVs, brown heroin, tik and dagga) used in its manufacture. The new drug names were created to open up new niche markets for familiar drugs that had been in circulation for decades.

In 2010 the drug Nyaope, first became widely popular and available across impoverished areas of South Africa. Ever since, these communities have seen dramatic increases in drug abuse and crime rates. Nyaope’s highly addictive nature has devastated these communities and has effectively prolonged their escapes from poverty.

Illicit drug use has become a matter of worldwide concern. In South Africa, statistics have revealed that a third of the population admitted to using drugs during the year 2017, and about 20% of incarcerated prisoners admitted to having used an illicit drug. Drug addiction has a direct and major impact on the escalation of drug-related criminal activities in the three major metropolitan cities of South Africa, namely Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg. Statistical data reflect a high correlation between drugs and criminal activities related to property and violent crimes.

The effects of Nyaope include:

• Severe body aches, shivering, anxiety, insomnia, glazed eyes, hot and cold flushes
• The low-grade heroin used means one can get toxic side effects such as skin diseases, frequent infections and lowered immunity.
• Because Nyaope is smoked with dagga, the user becomes addicted to dagga as well.
• Dagga can have side effects such as hallucinations, paranoia, flashbacks, changes in eating habits, weight loss, and restlessness
• Nyaope users usually begin to neglect their school work, or their jobs, and may eventually quit work or school altogether.
• Users need for extra money to pay for the drugs also increases, and this often leads to criminal behaviour when they no longer have legal access to money.
• Because Nyaope is so addictive, addicts may become violent when they are unable to access the drug, and may commit violent crimes even against family members or friends in order to get money.

Treatment

Twelve-Step programs remain a commonly recommended and used treatment modality for various types of addiction. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) in its National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services from 2013, 12-Step models are used, at least occasionally, by approximately 74 percent of treatment centers.

A variety of effective treatments are available for heroin use disorder, including both behavioral and pharmacological (medications). Both approaches help to restore a degree of normalcy to brain function and behavior, resulting in increased employment rates and lower risk of HIV and other diseases and criminal behavior. Although behavioral and pharmacologic treatments can be extremely useful when utilized alone, research shows that for many people, integrating both types of treatments is the most effective approach.

Stories of Recovery

• The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
  Oliver VG
  Read more
• On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
  Johan B
  Read more
• I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
  Carla S
  Read more
• "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
  Angelique J
  Read more

Read more

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What is Tik?

Tik is the street name given to crystal methamphetamine; this is what makes Tik so highly addictive and dangerous. Tik is a stimulant that increases alertness, attention and energy. Tik users become addicted or dependent as the effect is an intense “rush” and a feeling of self-confidence and euphoria. This hyperactivity can last for hours, when the effect of tik wears off it often leaves the tik user feeling irritable, tired along with a sense of depression or glum mood which drives the tik user to use it again to avoid the uncomfortable feeling of coming down.

What does Tik look like?

Tik is an odourless substance found either in crystals or a finer powder form usually white or brownish in colour and is sold in small bags or straws. Tik can either be snorted, smoked or injected. Tik is most commonly smoked. Tik is popular as it’s cheap and easily found on the streets.

What are the effects of Tik?

• Increased alertness
• An intense feeling of happiness or euphoria
• Increased sense of activity or energy
• Increased feelings of self-confidence or self-esteem
• Loss of appetite
• Increased sex drive
• Increased sense of contentment or satisfaction.

What is the ‘coming down’ effects of Tik?

• An intense feeling of anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Aggression and agitation
• Heart palpitations and sweating
• Intense feelings of depression

What are the long-term effects of Tik use?

• Decreased appetite results in significant weight loss
• Mood swings, irritability and depression
• Difficulty sleeping  (insomnia)and loss of energy
• Loss of interest in hobbies or social interactions (isolation)
• Stomach and muscle cramps
• Damage to the nervous system results in  tremors in the hands, arms head and legs
• Excessive itching of the skin
• “Meth Mouth” deterioration and decay of gum and teeth

What is Tik addiction?

Tik addiction develops when the need to continue using is increased as the artificial sense of happiness and euphoria is gone as a result of the sudden onset of withdrawals as a result of the “come down” from the high.

The difficulty of physical withdrawal and psychological cravings lasts long after the tik user has stopped using,  months later the user could still suffer from cravings for tik, leaving the tik user trapped in a cycle of using, coming down and seeking tik again. This compulsive need to use despite the consequences is an indication that addiction may present,

What are the signs of Tik abuse and addiction?

• Personal health is deteriorating
• Work or studying performance is suffering
• Loss of appetite and  erratic eating patterns avoiding food and then binge eating
• Decrease in social interactions and or isolation
• Erratic sleep patterns and sleep deprivation
• Drastic mood swings or changes
• Financial instability or constant lack of finances

When a tik abuser or addict has reached this stage where finding and using tik is their primary activity, there is a need for treatment where detox from the physical withdrawals is indicated and then the treatment for the disease of addiction will assist and aid the tik addict to confront their tik addiction and provide the addict with the tools to find recovery in order to live a sober and clean life free from tik addiction.

Stories of Recovery

• The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
  Oliver VG
  Read more
• On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
  Johan B
  Read more
• I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
  Carla S
  Read more
• "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
  Angelique J
  Read more

Read more

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What service does a rehabilitation centre provide?

When seeking help for substance abuse, whether it’s related to alcohol addiction or drug dependency, you’ll find a range of rehabilitation centres in Johannesburg and Pretoria. These centres offer vital services to assist individuals on their journey to addiction recovery. However, it can be daunting to navigate the options and select the right facility for yourself or a loved one.

Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Johannesburg: Exploring Your Options

The quest for the ideal drug rehabilitation centre or comprehensive addiction recovery programme necessitates thorough research. Not all rehabilitation centres are identical, making it crucial to understand precisely what services each offers. Here’s a glimpse into what you might encounter during your search:

Pre-Admission Services

• Free Assessment: Many rehabilitation centres provide a free initial assessment to determine the most suitable treatment plan.
• Medical Aid Authorization: If you have medical aid, the facility will assist in obtaining the necessary authorization for your treatment.
• COVID-19 Safety Measures: In the midst of the ongoing pandemic, some centres offer COVID-19 testing to ensure a safe environment.

In-Patient Programme

• Psychiatric Evaluations: When required, a registered psychiatrist will conduct an evaluation to address psychiatric symptoms.
• Medical Detoxification: For individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, medical detox is the crucial first step towards recovery. It’s especially vital in cases of severe alcohol withdrawal.
• Individual Therapy Sessions: These sessions empower clients to identify triggers and develop effective coping strategies.
• Group Therapy Sessions: In a group setting, clients practise sober social skills and implement coping techniques learned during individual counselling.
• Family Therapy Sessions: Family therapy can mend broken relationships, enhance communication skills, and build conflict resolution abilities.
• 12 Step Groups: A unique aspect of recovery is the 12 Step programme , offering long-term solutions beyond professional treatment.
• Art and Music Activities: Creative therapies, including music and art, can significantly aid in assessing, treating, and improving various mental, physical, and emotional health aspects.
• Stress Management and Mindfulness: Yoga and meditation, part of stress management and mindfulness practices, contribute to inner peace. These practices help individuals replace thoughts of substance use with healthier coping strategies.

Understanding the array of services available at substance abuse rehabilitation centres in Johannesburg and Pretoria is essential. It empowers you to make an informed choice, ultimately paving the way for a successful recovery journey. Whether you seek alcohol addiction treatment in Pretoria or comprehensive drug rehab programmes  in South Africa, these rehabilitation centres aim to provide the necessary support and resources.

As you embark on this path to recovery, remember that help is available. Reach out to one of these rehabilitation centres in Johannesburg or Pretoria, and take the first step towards a brighter, substance-free future. Substance abuse can be overcome, and with the right treatment, you or your loved one can achieve lasting recovery.

Take the first step towards a brighter future. Contact our Pretoria centre today and begin your journey to lasting recovery.

Stories of Recovery

• The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
  Oliver VG
  Read more
• On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
  Johan B
  Read more
• I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
  Carla S
  Read more
• "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
  Angelique J
  Read more

Read more

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