Stage two: You're starting to become more curious about watching pornography, but again it doesn't affect your everyday life. Stage one: You've watched porn before, but it doesn't have any bearing on your life. So, how does an optional indulgence snowball into a compulsive habit? There are widely-accepted stages of addiction – including initiation, experimentation regular use, problem use, and dependence – and they can apply to your internet search history, as Davies explains. Is Watching Porn Really That Bad for You? “In my practice, clients suffering from any form of addiction are normally trying to escape things like traumatic memories, loss, breakups, loneliness, sadness and unhappiness.” “ Addiction is normally formed because people are trying to escape from negative feelings or memories of events,” Davies says, adding that the highest risk people are those who have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To understand why people become so reliant on all those juicy brain-altering compounds, you must first consider the root cause. Of course, there’s more than just a few rogue chemicals at play when it comes to addiction. After orgasm, serotonin levels change, bringing a sense of calm and relaxation.” The body also releases endorphins natural opiates that create a wave of pleasure over the whole body. “Norepinephrine is released, creating focus and alertness, as well as oxytocin and vasopressin, creating a strong link to the object sexual pleasure.