Reclaim Your Life After PTSD and Porn or Sex Addiction

What is PTSD?



Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health issue that can occur after a traumatic event. For example, those who serve in the military or on the frontlines of war can develop PTSD. Likewise, if you see or experience violence, a car accident, or a natural disaster, you may develop symptoms. Those who experience betrayal trauma within a relationship can also develop symptoms. 

PTSD affects the part of the brain that stores memories and emotions. Due to the intensity of a traumatic event, your brain uses your five senses to gather information to help you survive. Rather than properly processing the situation, it may become, in a sense, frozen in your mind. As a result, a trigger such as a familiar sound or smell can take you right back to that moment as if it's happening in real-time. 

Symptoms can include: 

• anxiety
• flashbacks
• a constant state of hypervigilance
• sleeplessness
• nightmares
• drastic changes in mood
• intense anger
• depression
• reduced production of endorphins (happy

You may not develop symptoms right away. In fact, it may be months later. However, unprocessed trauma can negatively affect your life for days, months, and even years. The good news, however, is there are many forms of therapy that can alleviate symptoms. PTSD is highly treatable. 

Why can PTSD lead to porn or sex addiction? 



An article by AddictionHope.com (The Connection between PTSD in the Military and Sexual Addiction) addresses why it's common for addictions to form after experiencing trauma. Witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event can leave you with constant feelings of distress, anxiety, or fear. As a result, you may experience sleeplessness as you remain in a state of hyper-awareness. All of this can be exhausting and overwhelming. 

The vulnerability to addiction comes as you seek relief. Research seems to indicate porn and sexual addiction forms just like drug and alcohol addictions do. A stimulus is introduced to the body, the brain responds, and you experience a temporary sense of relief. Over time, your brain craves more, and before long, you are now a prisoner within your own body. Addiction can take over and begin to interfere with your everyday life. Likewise, areas of life can become unmanageable without your addiction. 

If you are ready to escape the trap of addiction, there is hope and help available. PTSD can be debilitating. However, with professional help, both healing and recovery are possible. With the right guidance, you can work through your issues and reclaim your life. 

At Sole Counseling, we treat clients who have PTSD. We also specialize in treating addictions such as porn or sex addiction. We would love to talk to you and help you on your journey of reclaiming your life. Call us today.