New data reveals a concerning trend among therapists in the UK, with more than half reporting an increase in clients struggling with uncontrollable pornography use. According to a survey conducted by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), 53% of the therapists indicated that they have seen a rise in individuals seeking help for problematic pornography use over the past year. This issue is increasingly interfering with daily life and prompting individuals to seek out more extreme content.
The BACP surveyed nearly 3,000 accredited therapists, uncovering a growing number of clients identifying as addicted to pornography. Many of these individuals report experiencing negative impacts on their responsibilities and personal relationships. Some arrive at therapy with physical sexual issues, such as erectile dysfunction, often referred by NHS sexual health clinics.
Dr. Paula Hall, a leading expert in sex and porn addiction, has called for urgent government action to address the rising problem of porn addiction, which affects a significant number of people across various demographics. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive national strategy that goes beyond merely addressing age verification and child sexual abuse material.
“We desperately need to really understand and evaluate and assess what the economic costs are to society of porn in terms of addiction and men’s mental health,” Dr. Hall stated. “At the moment, the government isn’t doing enough.” She advocates for resources to be developed for young people to help them navigate the challenges associated with pornography use.
Dr. Hall pointed out the stigma and shame surrounding pornography that often leads to isolation for those who struggle with it. In response, she founded Pivotal Recovery, an online self-help resource aimed at assisting individuals grappling with problematic porn use. She also established the Laurel Centre, which specializes in treating sex and porn addiction and training therapists to support their clients effectively.
The treatment landscape is becoming increasingly busy, with many clients initially unaware of their addiction. They often seek help for unrelated issues, such as anxiety or depression, before recognizing the impact of their pornography use. Dr. Hall described porn addiction as a spectrum disorder that may begin as recreational but can escalate into habitual use, serving as a coping mechanism for uncomfortable emotions.
Andrew Harvey, a BACP-accredited therapist based in Nottingham, echoed Dr. Hall’s concerns about the personal issues stemming from porn addiction. He noted that clients frequently experience neglect in various aspects of their lives, including academics and relationships. “Online porn can deliver huge amounts of novelty or difference, which can overshadow intimacy with a partner,” Harvey explained.
As individuals feel compelled to consume more pornographic material, they may start seeking increasingly extreme content, sometimes leading to confusion about their sexual preferences. While there is ongoing debate regarding the classification of pornography as an addiction, many clients report that their viewing habits significantly disrupt their daily activities, with some spending hours watching porn at the expense of completing everyday tasks.
Harvey suggested that treatment should not focus on banning sexual content altogether. Instead, he emphasized the importance of helping clients find joy in their sexual lives without it feeling overwhelming or damaging. “I hope the outcome is that people find joy within their sexual being rather than something that feels out of control and is hurting them,” he said.
As awareness of problematic pornography use grows, both Dr. Hall and Harvey advocate for increased dialogue and understanding around this issue. The aim is to encourage individuals to seek help before their habits become detrimental to their well-being and relationships.