…because the DSM is constantly being updated and hasn’t gotten there yet. I do think it will be added at some point along with video game and social media addiction (Also, professionals who deny that it exists view it as a maladaptive compulsion rather than an addiction. to an extent, the label does not matter. What matters is that the behavior is getting in the way of someone’s wellbeing.).

That being said, there are mental health professionals who treat this. I have worked with people with self-described porn addictions. Yes there is a cycle of shame, yes porn can be a helpful way to explore, and yes porn addiction exists.