Probing the porn problem.

• Author: Puterbaugh, Dolores T.
• Position: PARTING THOUGHTS

I PROPOSE TO EXPLAIN, in 1,000 words or less, why pornography addiction has become one of the problems du jour, and the scientific basis for marriage therapists advising clients to avoid using it, particularly as a personal recreational activity. Addiction usually is related to substances we take in, and the chemical response that includes greater tolerance (it takes more to get the desired effect) and increased craving or dependency, whether physical or psychological. Using "addiction" for behaviors--rather than things we smoke, drink, inject, or ingest--muddies the water for many people. It sounds like a sorry excuse for weak character: Honey, I couldn't help buying five new pairs of Carlos Santana's. I'm addicted to them.

Nonconsumption-based addictions involve addiction to one's own brain chemistry. Enjoyable behaviors stimulate the release of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter. Stir in some adrenaline if there is a lot of stimulation and even risk-taking, and you have the basis for becoming addicted to one's own chemistry. Remember Pavlov's drooling dogs and classical conditioning from Psych 101? The previously neutral stimulus becomes linked to some sort of natural hardwiring, and a learned pattern is established. You might be learning something helpful, or you may be learning (consciously or not) something potentially problematic. You may end up with an addiction.

Pornography is ready-made for addiction. We are, after all, hardwired to get that little zing of pleasure when we see members of whatever gender we find attractive. It is part of what makes the world go 'round. Pornography has many short-term attractors: it is private and there is no responsibility to pay attention to anyone but yourself. Thanks to the Internet, you do not have to wait for next month's print issue to be released to find ever-changing variety. There is the excitement and anticipation that the next best thing will be there at the next click. Stir in the rash of dopamine and adrenaline, and it is a recipe for getting hooked. (Pssst, hey, kid, wanna buy a few more clicks?)

Typically, a raging and aggrieved wife demands her porn-using husband come in for marriage counseling. She asserts he has betrayed her by using pore. His argument usually runs along the lines of: so, what's the big deal with private entertainment? Why is it your business what I do in private? It's not like I was cheating. Her response: yes, you were. No, I was not. He may promise to stop...