Is There Medication That Treats Porn Addiction?

Whether porn addiction is a real condition is still a debated topic in the medical community. The World Health Organization added compulsive sexual behavior as a mental health disorder in 2018, though it doesn’t mention porn addiction. Meanwhile, porn addiction isn’t recognized in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) used by mental health professionals in the United States. Despite this ongoing debate, many people are distressed by their compulsive porn consumption.

For people seeking help, it’s important to understand that while no medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating porn use, some pharmacological approaches have shown promise in managing symptoms. These medications work by targeting mechanisms that control compulsive behaviors. The most effective porn addiction treatment plans will combine medication with behavioral therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes.

Medications That May Treat Porn Addiction

There are currently no medications prescribed specifically for problematic porn use, but there are several drugs that can help treat the symptoms of addiction. These medications, usually prescribed off-label, aim to decrease reward sensations, reduce urges, and address co-occurring mental health disorders.

Nalmefene

Nalmefene is an opioid receptor antagonist similar to naltrexone but with some different pharmacological properties. Though primarily used to reduce alcohol consumption, some research suggests it may help with impulse control and compulsive behaviors. Nalmefene works by modulating the brain’s reward system, reducing the pleasure associated with pornography viewing.

Antidepressants

Some types of antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may help manage pornography use. Originally developed for depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, these medications can also reduce sexual urges and compulsive behaviors in some people. By regulating serotonin levels, antidepressants help decrease obsessive thoughts related to pornography use. They may also help treat co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone, also known as Vivitrol, is an opioid receptor antagonist used to treat alcohol and opiate dependence. For people with a compulsive porn habit, naltrexone works by plocking the part of your brain that feels pleasure with certain behaviors. This medication may reduce the effects associated with compulsive sexual behaviors, potentially decreasing the urge to engage in them.

Anti-Androgens

Anti-androgens are medications that reduce the effects of male sex hormones (androgens) in the body. By lowering testosterone levels, sexual urges in men may decrease significantly. Anti-androgens are typically reserved for severe cases where other treatments have failed or where the compulsive behaviors may pose a risk to other people.

How Is Porn Addiction Diagnosed?

Diagnosing pornography addiction or compulsive sexual behavior in general can be a challenge because there are ongoing debates about how to classify these issues. A mental health professional with expertise in addictions will typically conduct an evaluation that includes discussions about physical and mental health history, sexual thoughts that feel difficult to control, family relationships, and how the behavior is impacting daily life.

The mental health provider might gather information from family members to gain a thorough understanding of how porn use is affecting those directly or indirectly involved.

Signs And Symptoms Of Porn Addiction

Below are some of the  symptoms of porn addiction you may notice in yourself or a loved one that could indicate an addiction to porn.

Signs of pornography addiction may include:

• pornography has become a central part of life, taking precedence over once-important activities
• neglecting personal care and responsibilities to view pornography
• experiencing a decreased interest in socialization and relationships
• relationship strain due to porn use
• declines in academic and job performance
• pornography is being viewed in inappropriate settings such as work, school, and public places
• real-life sexual experiences become less satisfying
• experiencing cravings and urges to watch pornography
• making unsuccessful attempts to cut back
• feeling withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, restlessness when unable to access porn

If you think watching porn has become an issue in your life, help is available at many rehab programs for porn addiction throughout the country.

Treatment Services For Porn Addiction

Effective treatment for porn addiction involves an approach that addresses behavioral, psychological, and sometimes physiological factors.

Treatment options may include:

• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps change unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors
• acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), a form of CBT that focuses on accepting urges while committing to healthier actions
• mindfulness-based therapies to improve awareness of the present moment
• medication management
• online therapy for porn addiction
• family or couples therapy for relationships that have been impacted
• 12-step support groups such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) or Porn Addicts Anonymous (PAA)
• inpatient or residential porn addiction treatment programs for severe cases
• dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Consult with a mental health professional or your primary care provider for more guidance on treatment for behavioral issues.

Find An Addiction Treatment Program Today

For more information about behavioral health services, browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff