Leading the fight against Porn Addiction in the U.S.
Published:
Feb 27, 2025
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12:09 p.m.
ET
Key Points
Porn addiction is a unique behavioral health challenge that requires specialized treatment
Porn addiction is largely misunderstood and historically has been under-researched
Porn addiction is not currently a formal diagnosis in the DSM-V
Up to 6% of the population may suffer from porn addiction
There are multiple treatment options available for porn addiction
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Pornographic materials are nothing new, with salacious images and content being created for decades before the idea of porn addiction came to the forefront. The difference between then and now is the easy accessibility to porn, with the age of the internet and mass consumption in today's society, skyrocketing the number of those who struggle to manage their porn addiction.
The medical field and mental health professionals have begun to speak out regarding the negative impacts of porn, specifically on younger adults, and the long-term effects that pornography addiction may have on an individual. There are also individuals choosing to speak about their struggle with porn. Many of these individuals have banded together to help lead the fight against porn addiction.
Researchers providing context around the scale of Porn Addiction
Historically, porn addiction has been largely misunderstood and grossly under-researched by both medical professionals and society as a whole. In recent years the number of those seeking treatment for their pornography compulsions have sparked discussions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of porn addiction.
The Journal of Behavioral Health, American Psychological Association and The Heritage Foundation have conducted research into porn addiction. A quick search also shows top universities looking into the scale and impact of porn addiction. Universities that have published research porn addiction include Yale School of Medicine, BYU, Liberty University, Utah State University, Nelson University and Ballard.
Notre Dame grad on a mission to help fight Porn Addiction
A 23-year-old recently graduated Notre Dame student, Joshua Haskell, sent a letter to the editor of the school's newspaper his senior year admitting to a long-hidden secret, his porn addiction. Haskell chronicled his downfall into porn addiction after downloading Instagram and watching pornographic material for the first time at just 15.
In his letter to the editor, Haskell invited other men on campus who may be struggling with porn consumption to join him for an accountability group. What started with 35 attendees during its first meet-up has since grown to over 150 men across 30 small groups nationally. Haskell also formalized the organization, which is called Ethos National. In addition to their network of groups, Ethos provides a curriculum to young men on how to help themselves abstain from porn, remain accountable with support from others and understand the “why” behind their struggles.
Specialized Porn Addiction treatment providers
In addition to group support, many individuals who struggle with porn addiction benefit from one-on-one counseling. Given the unique nature of porn addiction, it is recommended that therapy sessions be conducted by specialists trained to treat pornography-related challenges to ensure that all aspects of this complex disorder are addressed properly. Porn addiction can be difficult to identify if individuals aren’t open about their struggles, and it can be easily hidden due to ease of access on phones, tablets and computers.
Birches Health offers evidenced-based treatment programs, led by specially trained porn addiction counselors, from the comfort of one's own home. Online therapy can help reduce the traditional barriers to specialized porn addiction treatment, allowing those without in-person treatment options near them or the time to travel, a way to get the support they need to overcome their porn-related challenges. Birches also accepts most major insurance plans, helping make care for porn addiction more affordable for those in need.
There are multiple options for connecting with Birches Health:
Call 833-483-3838
Email help@bircheshealth.com
Other Porn Addiction support options
Virtual treatment and Ethos peer support groups for young men are not the only option for those who are looking for porn addiction support. Porn Addicts Anonymous (PAA) is a peer support group that follows a 12-step program structure.
PAA provides those struggling with porn addiction a place to share their experiences and receive support and guidance from those who are on the same journey as them. PAA also provides support for family members of those with porn addiction in addition to online resources, meeting locations and other community resources.
How to help someone else who may be addicted to porn
Approaching a loved one regarding their porn addiction can be a difficult task to undertake. Understanding why someone may struggle with porn addiction and what resources are available to support them is an important part of helping an individual with their recovery. If you notice changes in one's mood or behavior or an increased desire for isolation or secrecy, it may be time to have an honest discussion regarding their porn consumption and habits. It is important to remain non-judgemental and supportive while providing information about treatment options available to them for porn addiction.
How common is Porn Addiction? Stats and trends
According to some research, up to 6% of the global population struggles with porn addiction, with that number being potentially much higher due to under-reporting and lack of formal diagnostic criteria. Men traditionally struggle more than women with porn addiction, with 69% of men reporting they watch porn and 20% who regularly download pornographic material. However, women also can struggle with it, despite potentially even higher levels of unwillingness to disclose the problem.
The most common age for porn use in the United States is between 18-34, with the number of those under the age of 18 who view porn being at a much higher risk for developing porn addiction.
Can Porn Addiction be formally diagnosed?
Porn addiction is not currently included as an official diagnosis in the DSM-V, often being lumped in with “compulsive sexual behavior” by World Health Organization criteria, or as a symptom of other behavioral diagnoses. There are also signs and behaviors that one can be aware of to help identify if someone is struggling with porn addiction. Someone may have an addiction to porn if they display the following:
Inability to stop watching porn
The amount of porn being watched increases over time
Porn use brings on feelings of shame, guilt, depression or anxiety
Prioritizing porn over other responsibilities (school, work, family)
Porn use negatively impacting relationships
