The Curious Hotel

Using porn to 'anaesthetise' stress, anxiety and loneliness

Undoubtedly millions of Brits enjoy porn regularly and suffer no issues as a result.

But a potential sign you are, or at risk of becoming, an addict is what motivates you to look at explicit content.

A key sign of a problematic relationship with X-rated content was if you are using it as an 'escape' from other problems.

'The behaviour is used to anaesthetise negative feeling states, such as stress, loneliness, and anxiety.

'During times of stress we're all more susceptible to turning to things like porn for an escape.

'And if those times of stress are extended, then you're more likely to become dependent.

'For many people who've developed an addiction, it starts off as a way of relaxing and seeking pleasure, but over time as dependency grows, the habit becomes more ingrained.

It can become the only way to feel normal.'

Quote from: Sandra on Nov, 08, 2025, Using porn to 'anaesthetise' stress, anxiety and loneliness

Undoubtedly millions of Brits enjoy porn regularly and suffer no issues as a result.

But a potential sign you are, or at risk of becoming, an addict is what motivates you to look at explicit content.

A key sign of a problematic relationship with X-rated content was if you are using it as an 'escape' from other problems.

'The behaviour is used to anaesthetise negative feeling states, such as stress, loneliness, and anxiety.

'During times of stress we're all more susceptible to turning to things like porn for an escape.

'And if those times of stress are extended, then you're more likely to become dependent.

'For many people who've developed an addiction, it starts off as a way of relaxing and seeking pleasure, but over time as dependency grows, the habit becomes more ingrained.

It can become the only way to feel normal.'

I guess it's something that many will just have to live with, eh? And there's worst things by far!

I'm not sure whether I am or not "medically" addicted, but I certainly eroticise the idea. Telling myself I am a helpless wanker, that I am pathetic "just" masturbating over beautiful women, seems to get me off. I love discussion like this.

Can one be addicted to something that's a good thing?

The reasons for frequent masturbation are varied and can include biological factors, stress relief, boredom, and compulsive behavior.

Hormones like oxytocin and biological predispositions can play a role, as can psychological factors such as using it to cope with stress, anger, or sadness.
If masturbation is interfering with your daily life, causing guilt, or you feel unable to stop, it may be a sign of a compulsive behavior.

Psychological and environmental factors

    Stress and emotional regulation: Masturbation can be used as a coping mechanism for stress, anger, sadness, or other negative emotions.
It can provide a temporary sense of relief, but may lead to a cycle of dependence.
    Boredom: When you have free time and no other engaging activities, masturbation can be an easy way to pass the time.
    Triggers: Things like the accessibility of online pornography can act as a trigger for masturbation.
    Compulsive behavior: When masturbation is compulsive, it may be difficult to stop even if you want to, and it can lead to feelings of guilt or shame.

Biological factors

    Hormones: Hormonal changes, such as those involving oxytocin, might play a role in the compulsive behavior associated with masturbation.
    Brain pathways: Some research suggests that altered DNA pathways in the brain could be connected to compulsive sexual behavior.
    Addiction predisposition: Some people may be more biologically predisposed to addiction in general, which can influence their relationship with activities like masturbation.

When to seek help

If you feel that your masturbation habits are negatively impacting your life, consider talking to a professional who can help you explore these feelings and develop healthier coping strategies.
Some signs that you may want to seek help include:

    Your masturbation takes time away from other responsibilities or activities.
    You feel guilty or ashamed after masturbating.
    You have tried to reduce your masturbation but are unable to.
    You are masturbating in inappropriate or risky places.

One in four men fear they are unable to quit watching porn, a poll has revealed.

And two-thirds are so hooked that it's causing them problems getting aroused in the bedroom.

BBC TV presenter Ore Oduba, 39, recently revealed his 30-year addiction to porn – saying it nearly 'destroyed' his life.

The Strictly Come Dancing winner said he had spent thousands of pounds accessing porn after first being exposed to it aged just nine.

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Grammy-winning singer Billie Eilish, 23, has also spoken about how her porn addiction – which started when she was just 11 – led to nightmares after viewing violent and abusive material.

Now new data has found that, of 600 men polled, 26 per cent doubted they could avoid porn websites for at least 90 days.

Some 64 per cent at least partly blamed porn for their erectile dysfunction issues.

More than a third said they started watching porn before the age of 15.
At least half a dozen men polled said they started before the age of ten

Quote from: Sandra on Nov, 09, 2025, One in four men fear they are unable to quit watching porn, a poll has revealed.

And two-thirds are so hooked that it's causing them problems getting aroused in the bedroom.

BBC TV presenter Ore Oduba, 39, recently revealed his 30-year addiction to porn – saying it nearly 'destroyed' his life.

The Strictly Come Dancing winner said he had spent thousands of pounds accessing porn after first being exposed to it aged just nine.

---

Grammy-winning singer Billie Eilish, 23, has also spoken about how her porn addiction – which started when she was just 11 – led to nightmares after viewing violent and abusive material.

Now new data has found that, of 600 men polled, 26 per cent doubted they could avoid porn websites for at least 90 days.

Some 64 per cent at least partly blamed porn for their erectile dysfunction issues.

More than a third said they started watching porn before the age of 15.
At least half a dozen men polled said they started before the age of ten

It's hard for me to imagine what my sexual development would have been like if I'd been able to access hard core routinely at puberty.  Overwhelming at the very least.  As it was the sneaked copies of the very first Playboys were more than enough to trigger emergency stroking!  Yes, the society was far too repressed, but I don't regret that I wasn't in my early teens in this situation.  I wouldn't have been able to handle it...although that's perhaps the wrong choice of words 

I'm wondering how basic the difference may be between a fixation that comes from early repression and one that comes from early surfeit. 

Quote from: snowfire on Nov, 09, 2025, I'm wondering how basic the difference may between a fixation that comes from early repression and one that comes from early surfeit. 

Very well put, I wonder the same. Like you, I was (maybe still am?) very repressed, and only experienced what would now be considered very small amounts of porn through things porn magazines discovered in bushes, the occasional page 3 model, or porn passed between friends.

Around this time I was also experimenting with another guy my age, masturbating each other over this porn, so while being very repressed it was also really intense.

Sandra, is it okay to find your factual posts about porn and masturbation incredibly arousing? 

Quote from: snowfire on Nov, 09, 2025, I wouldn't have been able to handle it...although that's perhaps the wrong choice of words 

Or the right choice of words.

Quote from: Nicohere on Nov, 10, 2025, Sandra, is it okay to find your factual posts about porn and masturbation incredibly arousing?

Of course it is 

Quote from: Sandra on Nov, 09, 2025, Some signs that you may want to seek help include:

    Your masturbation takes time away from other responsibilities or activities.
    You feel guilty or ashamed after masturbating.
    You have tried to reduce your masturbation but are unable to.
    You are masturbating in inappropriate or risky places.

Yep. This is me... has been for most of my life. Hypersexual and addicted to porn and masturbation.

Quote from: Sandra on Nov, 10, 2025, Of course it is 

Thank you!