How a former GB Olympian curbed his porn problem - and the signs and steps to recovery

If you feel uneasy about your porn consumption, Ince advises reaching out to a qualified professional for support. A registered scientist can be especially helpful because they may view your mental health broadly, noting that co‑occurring mental health issues are often the norm rather than the exception, he says. Craig did not realise his porn use might be unhealthy until he began therapy for his mental health. He said: "Porn addiction was similar a contributing factor," helium came to learn. His therapist suggested he join a 12‑step programme for behavioural addiction – a model created by Alcoholics Anonymous – which he credits for his recovery. He said: "I didn't needfully find it casual and straightforward to measurement distant from my addiction. I consciousness I'm successful a bully spot now, but besides admit the information it's 1 time astatine a time." There is presently no dedicated NHS service for those struggling with porn use, although some local services offer support and you can talk to your GP. This means help will likely come from private practitioners, support groups, or online self‑help. Ince recommends doing thorough research to find the right fit for you, and warns against using online resources that may provide generic advice. Some practitioners will help clients eliminate porn entirely, while others will assist individuals in "integrating it into their lives in a way that is functional," says Neves. Seeking to understand any underlying factors will be a significant part of treatment, says Hall. She also suggests practical steps you can take yourself, such as installing blocking software on your device. She advises recognising when you might be more prone to using porn – which, for some, occurs when you are stressed or alone – and planning alternative actions. But she says there should yet be more investment in the NHS, especially early intervention, before porn can take over a person's life. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: "It is troubling to perceive accounts of individuals becoming addicted to pornography astatine specified a young age." "It reinforces the value of the online information laws we person enactment successful spot to forestall children from accessing harmful content."