Dealing with Sex and Porn Addiction: Understanding, Support, and Hope

By Derek Flint (PNCPS Acc.): UK-Based Sex & Porn Addiction Therapist

Sitting in front of a computer in despair

“Addiction is not about pleasure — it’s about escape.” - Dr. Paula Hall

Sex or Porn Addiction UK - Symptoms of Porn Addiction

Sex and Porn Addiction is a growing concern in today’s digital age, ease of access means finding almost any type of porn or sexual acting out, is simply an internet search away. However, it remains surrounded by misunderstanding and stigma. Questions like "Am I a Sex Addict" or "Is Porn Really Addictive" are asked frequently. Sex and Porn Addiction is a growing concern in today’s digital age, ease of access means finding almost any type of porn or sexual acting out

Sex and Porn Addiction - How Much Porn Is Addiction?

One of the most common questions people ask is "what is the definition of porn addiction?” The answer isn’t always straightforward. While not everyone who views pornography becomes addicted, for some it can develop into a compulsive behaviour that interferes with relationships, work, and emotional wellbeing. Like many behavioural addictions, it often coexists with other issues, such as anxiety, depression, adverse childhood experiences or cross-addictions.

How Many People Are Affected by Sex and Porn Addiction? - Signs of Porn Addiction

You may be wondering, how many people are addicted to porn? While exact numbers vary across studies, many people from all walks of are living with sex addiction and looking for porn addiction help. Does a porn binge count as addiction? Is there a sex addict test?

Ultimately it comes down to whether your use of sex and porn if starting to have a negative impact in other areas of life. This may be the factor in considering your own use. Addiction doesn’t discriminate; people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds can be affected. Unfortunately, stigma often prevents people from seeking help early on.

Why the Stigma Makes It Harder - Shame is to addiction what oxygen is to fire

People with sex or porn addiction may feel ashamed or fear judgment. There’s a harmful stereotype that people facing this issue are untrustworthy or lack control. In reality, many are responsible, caring individuals simply caught in a cycle they don’t know how to break. This shame can be isolating, but support is available.

How to Help Someone with Sex or Porn Addiction - Compassion and Understanding

If someone close to you is struggling and you’re unsure how to help with porn addiction support, the most important thing is to approach with compassion rather than criticism. Encourage them to seek support from a porn addiction therapist. Offer to help them look for a sex or porn addiction therapist or explore whether there’s a sex addiction therapist near me who could assist.

What Counselling Does for Sex or Porn Addiction - Ending Porn Addiction

So, what counselling does in this context is provide a non-judgmental space to explore the roots of the addiction, learn new coping strategies, and build healthier behaviours. Whether you’re looking for a porn addiction therapist or exploring counselling porn as a search term, you’re already taking the first step toward healing.

A therapist who has specific training and experience in this area, can help you identify the triggers, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and support long-term recovery. If you’re already working with a drug and alcohol counsellor, it’s worth asking if they also have experience supporting behavioural addictions like sex addiction therapy.

Finding the Right Support - How to Recover From Porn Addiction

When searching for therapists for sex and porn addiction, it helps to find someone with experience and training rather than someone who happens to be nearby or offers general therapy for common mental health problems. You might start by looking locally (e.g., searching sex addiction therapist near me), or explore online therapy options if in-person isn't practical or available. Knowing how to look for a therapist who is a good fit is vital.

Check their qualifications, read reviews, and don’t hesitate to book an initial consultation to see how you feel with them. Help is available with sex addiction therapy UK wide online or in person.

As a therapist working in this area, I am a member of Association for the Treatment of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity (ATSAC). Membership shows I have undertaken specific training to work safely and effectively with this type of behaviour.

If you want to find out more about your behaviour, try this short survey from the ATSAC website - Questionnaire

Hope and Healing Are Possible - Ending Porn Addiction

Recovery is not just about stopping the behaviour - it's about rebuilding a sense of self-worth, reconnecting with your values, and developing healthier ways to cope with stress, boredom, or emotional pain. You're not alone. Many have found hope and freedom by reaching out and taking that first courageous step.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you're ready to begin dealing with porn addiction, or you're looking for counselling porn services near you or online anywhere in the UK, support is just a message away. Whether you’re seeking a porn addiction therapist, already seeing a drug and alcohol counsellor, or exploring what counselling does - recovery starts with reaching out.

To find out more about the support you deserve click here Fees & Booking. A different future is possible — one grounded in connection, self-respect, and lasting change.

About Me – Thanks for taking the time to read this blog. I’m Derek Flint, a qualified therapist based in West Malling, Kent in the UK. I have a passion helping those with addiction difficulties and have specialist training in sex and porn addiction along with drug, alcohol misuse and other compulsive behaviours like online shopping or internet addiction.

Find out more and book a free initial consultation by clicking here Fees & Booking