The effects of sex and porn addiction on the addict and their partners include:

On the sex and porn addict:

• Emotional distress: Feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-esteem due to the inability to control sexual behaviours.

• Legal and financial issues: Engaging in illegal activities or excessive spending on sexual experiences, leading to legal troubles and financial instability.

• Decreased personal and professional functioning: Neglecting work or personal responsibilities, leading to poor performance, unemployment, or financial difficulties.

• Health consequences: Increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), physical injuries, and exhaustion due to excessive sexual activities.

• Isolation and lack of support: Withdrawal from friends and family, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

• Co-occurring mental health disorders: Higher likelihood of experiencing depression, anxiety disorders, co-addictions, or other mental health issues.

• Relationship problems and breakdown: Difficulties in establishing and maintaining healthy intimate relationships due to broken trust, emotional disconnection, and infidelity.

On wives, partners and families of sex and porn addicts:

• Betrayal trauma: The partner may experience extreme emotional pain, anger, and a sense of betrayal due to the addict's sexual compulsions and infidelity.

• Trust issues: Difficulty in rebuilding trust, leading to ongoing relationship challenges and an increased risk of future infidelity.

• Emotional and mental health effects: Partners may experience depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem as a result of the addictive behaviours and their impact on the relationship.

• Relationship strain: Communication breakdown, increased conflict, and a diminished sense of emotional intimacy can occur as a result of the addict's actions and their effect on both partners' well-being.

• Impact on self-worth: Partners may question their desirability or worthiness in response to the addict's behaviours, causing damage to their self-image and self-esteem.