Within various forms of addiction, including sex and porn addiction, different cognitive distortions may often be significant contributors. These are often subconscious habits that develop in people as a way of protecting themselves from pain and trauma, and one common example within sex and porn addiction is known as emotional reasoning.
At Desert Solace, we offer numerous caring inpatient and outpatient recovery programs for sex and pornography addiction for patients around Arizona, Nevada and Idaho. Many of our programs are aimed at understanding underlying mental distortions that are contributing to behavior, plus how to conquer them and move to a healthier place. Here are some basics on what emotional reasoning is, how it can fuel many forms of addiction, the impact it can have on both individuals and those close to them – and maybe most importantly, how it can be overcome.
Defining Emotional Reasoning
For those new to this term, emotional reasoning refers to a cognitive process during which a person relies on their feelings as evidence to justify beliefs or actions. In other words, the primary basis for decision-making is an emotional reaction rather than logic or reality.
Emotional reasoning is one of several cognitive distortions that can lead to addictive behaviors. As previously noted, it is usually developed subconsciously as a way of protecting oneself from pain and trauma. People with addiction often have difficulty separating feelings from facts, which leads them to believe that their distorted view of the world is based on truth rather than emotion.
Impact on Addiction
Emotional reasoning can be a powerful and destructive force when it comes to addiction. It can lead individuals to justify their actions and decisions, even if they are self-destructive or hurtful to others. For example, an emotionally reasoned belief may be that “I have no other option but to turn to addictive behaviors in order to cope with my pain.”
Furthermore, it can contribute to a cycle of self-defeating behavior, as one emotionally reasoned statement may lead to another and soon spiral out of control. This is why it’s so important for individuals with addictions to identify their emotional reasoning patterns and question the validity of their thoughts in order to break free.
Impact of Emotional Reasoning on Those Around You
For many people dealing with sex or pornography addiction, their loved ones may feel confused and helpless as they watch someone they care about struggle. Emotional reasoning can contribute to this feeling, as it is difficult for those close to an individual with addiction to understand why the person continues to make decisions that are seemingly irrational or hurtful.
In fact, some partners of those with addiction can start to adopt their own distorted thinking, and begin to believe that they are the ones responsible for the problems in the relationship. This is why it’s important for both people involved in a relationship where addiction is present to recognize and learn how to manage cognitive distortions associated with it.
Overcoming Emotional Reasoning
There are many steps that one can take to begin overcoming emotional reasoning. First and foremost, it is important for an individual with addiction to recognize the fact that their feelings are not facts – even if they appear to be. This sort of self-realization is not always easy, but often serves as a major turning point when it comes to battling addiction.
Counseling and therapy can also be a major help in gaining insight into how emotional reasoning influences an individual’s thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. In addition, different techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can be used to challenge distorted thinking and encourage positive coping skills to replace the urge to use addictive behaviors.
Within these kinds of approaches, a few key concepts may be explored:
- Anchoring to facts: Many people stuck in a pattern of emotional reasoning struggle to separate their feelings from facts. Through therapy, individuals can learn how to distinguish between the two and rely more on objective evidence when making decisions.
- Identifying triggers: It is also important for an individual to become aware of what triggers their emotional reasoning in the first place, so that they can better understand its source and take steps to avoid it.
- Avoiding assumptions: Assumptions are another common cognitive distortion that can fuel emotional reasoning. An individual must learn to identify when they are making assumptions and focus on gathering more evidence in order to come to a fair conclusion.
- Considering bias and preconceptions: Another valuable skill to learn within therapy is how to challenge oneself and look for alternative perspectives when faced with a difficult situation. This can help an individual gain insight into their own biases and preconceptions, and avoid jumping to conclusions based on feelings alone.
Overall, emotional reasoning can be a major contributor to sex or pornography addiction, and it’s important for individuals struggling with this kind of problem to become aware of the cognitive distortions they may be experiencing. By recognizing and addressing emotions in a healthy manner, an individual can begin to make better decisions and take back control over their behavior.
At Desert Solace, we understand the difficulties faced by those dealing with sex and porn addiction, and are committed to helping individuals make positive changes in their lives. Our experienced team provides evidence-based treatments that can help an individual realize their own potential, and develop healthier ways of thinking and living. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you or your loved one with sex or porn addiction recovery programs in Arizona, Nevada or Idaho.
