Viagra is an effective remedy for males experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED).  It increases the flow of blood to the penile and improves erection function. Some men might not get erections without Viagra. They may develop a dependency on Viagra.        

Is Viagra addiction real?        

Viagra dependency is nothing but a psychological addiction. The person who relies on Viagra for erections usually struggles to attain erections on their own. They may fail even after adequate sexual stimulation. As a result, their bedroom performance suffers.   

An inability to get hard despite sexual arousal makes them depend on external stimulants like Viagra. The need for sexual interaction is both physiological as well as psychological. To satisfy that, some men might tend to overuse the drug.

Moreover, there is no such thing as Viagra addiction, since it is not a psychoactive drug. The person just needs it every time they want to have sex. If they frequently have sex, they will repeatedly need Viagra.      

Symptoms of Viagra addiction  

• Repeatedly buying Viagra and stocking it up
• No erections without taking Viagra
• Reduced intimacy with the partner
• Developing resistance to the drug dose and seeking a higher dose
• Facial flushing
• Nasal congestion
• Cold sweating

Causes of Viagra addiction   

Lack of sexual satisfaction can lead to sexual distress. This is why men depend on Viagra to overcome their erection difficulties and satisfy their sexual needs. Various factors can be responsible for leading to Viagra addiction. Some of the potential reasons are as follows:    

• Porn addiction – A growing number of men are consuming porn daily. Their failure to get erections makes them consume porn even more. They use porn to become sexually aroused and Viagra can help trigger stronger erections.
• Psychological distress – If erectile dysfunction becomes an ongoing issue, it can lead to stress, low self-esteem, and relationship problems. To attain mental peace, the person may repeatedly use Viagra drugs. 
• Performance anxiety – Some men might find themselves pressured to perform better sexually. Their erection difficulties may prevent them from satisfying their sexual needs.   

How to overcome Viagra addiction?    

Viagra addiction can be prevented in following ways:

• Distinguish the pros and cons - Although Viagra is considered the safe option for erectile dysfunction, its overuse can increase the risk of adverse effects. It is necessary to remind yourself of the disadvantages of using these drugs in excess.  
• Do not use more than necessary dose – Make sure you are using the dose that is recommended by your healthcare provider. Also, it is necessary to use it for the duration prescribed by them.
• Handle performance anxiety – Performance anxiety can lead to Viagra abuse. It is important to learn to overcome anxiety around sexual performance. You can try some relaxation techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga, etc. 
• Awareness about porn – Porn addiction destroys intimacy. People who consume porn excessively, have higher expectations about sex. They tend to compare themselves with the porn actors. Controlling porn addictions will eventually reduce Viagra use and prevent its abuse.
• See a specialist - Rather than using Viagra repeatedly, you should see a specialist, such as a sex expert or a psychotherapist. They can guide you properly to help overcome Viagra addiction. They will help you in identifying the root cause of erectile dysfunction.     

Withdrawal symptoms of Viagra     

After continual use of Viagra, if the person suddenly stops using it, they might develop the symptoms of withdrawal. These symptoms may vary from individual to individual. The symptoms one might develop after its cessation are:

Psychological symptoms

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Physiological symptoms
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Sweating
• Chills
• Nausea
• Insomnia

Effects of Viagra on erectile dysfunction

Viagra medications work by boosting the flow of blood to the penile. They contain an active ingredient, called Sildenafil. This ingredient is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor compound.   

PDE5 inhibitors suppress the action of PDE5 enzymes. They increase the levels of nitric oxide in the walls of blood vessels. When nitric oxide levels rise, the blood flow to the penile increases. 

This increase in blood flow helps trigger stronger erections. In this way, Viagra medications can effectively improve the blood circulation. The pill produces its effects in the presence of sexual arousal.       

The lowdown  

Viagra addiction is more so a psychological need. It does not cause you an addiction. The person gets stuck in a loop of using it again and again. They may overuse it. Therefore, Viagra does not lead to physical dependence. However, there is still a lack of evidence on Viagra addiction.