The increasing prevalence of pornography and its easy accessibility means that more couples than ever before are affected by it. Even many in more religious states such as Utah suffer from pornography addiction.

Perhaps the most severe part of a pornography addiction is how it can damage – and in many cases even destroy – relationships. The use of pornography can do more than create imagined fantasies for the user. In fact, a study published in Psychology of Popular Media Culture found that many pornography users were more likely to think extramarital affairs were acceptable.

When a partner develops a pornography addiction, emotional relationships with a spouse or children often suffer devastating consequences. Spouses often experience feelings of betrayal and feel they can no longer trust their partner. Other studies have found that pornography use can weaken sex drive and cause just as much emotional damage to a relationship as real-life infidelity. Use of internet pornography is increasingly being cited as a major factor for divorce.

While the emotional turmoil that results from such activities can severely damage relationships, this doesn’t mean that they are beyond saving. At Swinton Counseling in Utah, we provide the resources and services to help couples overcome issues involving pornography addiction.