This section on sexuality and the brain expands to cover topics that, at first glance, do not appear related to porn addiction. Yet, all articles are related since they explore sexual stimulation on the sensitivity and plasticity of the reward circuitry.
It’s time to distinguish ‘sexual orientation’ from reversible ‘sexual tastes’
Researchers have shown that mammals can be conditioned (and sometimes reconditioned) to adjust their sexual response with surprising ease.
Youth and intense sexual arousal are a surprisingly volatile combination
The next time you hear someone argue that “Kids are sexual and no one should restrict their sexual choices,” remind them that research suggests that intense sexual stimulation has the power to alter the original trajectory of youthful sexuality in surprising ways.
Looking for greater contentment? Know thy brain.
A brain-science perspective on why sexual fantasy may be reducing your sexual pleasure and connection with your partner. Since fantasizing is a habit for porn users, this article may be helpful to your recovery.
Desire sometimes ratchets upward soon after hot sex
The concept “the more you scratch the more you itch” sometimes applies to orgasm. The reward circuitry’s design leads to ratcheting up desire when stimulated. What’s your true libido? Features comments from individuals who found more satisfaction and balance in their sexual lives.
Is hammering the brain’s desire circuitry a good idea?
This article discusses the use of brain-altering drugs to increase sexual desire.
Morality lies not where we think it does
New research reveals that moral decisions are not made with our higher rational brain. Such decisions are weighed by our ancient reward circuitry, as with other animals. Addictions play havoc in the reward circuit, thus distorting our moral compass.
Experience, not childhood or genes, configures individual reward-circuit wiring
Intriguingly, the pleasure centre and the behaviour it guides are sculpted mostly by life experiences rather than by our genes. This challenges previous assumptions that dopamine function could be straightforwardly inherited. —Paul Stokes, MD, PhD
As you can see there is more to sexuality and the brain than just porn addiction.
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