Erototoxin: Brain Chemistry and Pornography

An addiction to pornography and masturbation could be better explained as an addiction to the chemicals that they release in the body by means of pornography and masturbation rather than the pornography and masturbation itself. In other words, you become addicted to your own body chemistry.

Today's blog post will take a look at some of these chemicals:

• Epinephrine – Also known as adrenaline. Epinephrine is a hormone that prepares the body for action, while suppressing its other non-emergency needs. It is involved in memory, and is one reason why pornographic images can be “imprinted” in the mind.
• Testosterone – the human body’s self-created steroid. Increase of testosterone leads to an increased sexual desire. Because of testosterone, viewing pornography and masturbating may increase your sexual desire rather than suppress it. Testosterone is also linked to aggression.
• Endorphins – The human body’s self-created morphine. Endorphins can directly cause feelings of euphoria or ecstasy.
• Oxytocin – A bonding chemical involved in sexual arousal. It is associated with feelings of love and bonding with another human being. Ironically, when one views pornography and masturbates, one bonds to an image rather than another human person.
• Dopamine – A neurotransmitter that plays an important role in behavior, reward, and feelings of pleasure.
• Serotonin – A neurotransmitter that is directly related to your emotional state. Higher levels of serotonin have been associated with feelings of relaxation and euphoria.
• Phenylethylamine – A substance that is chemically related to amphetamines. It has been called the “love chemical” because mimics the brain chemistry of someone in love. It can also produce euphoric moods.

Dr. Judith Reisman (http://www.drjudithreisman.org), who studies the effects of pornography on the human brain, nicknamed this cocktail of chemicals listed above “erototoxin.” It is easy to see why pornography and masturbation can be so very addictive.