I have a porn addiction
Hey guys, I have an addiction to porn and need to do something about it. It’s not severe but it is worrying for me and my future.
Do any of you have suggestions as to how to control this i.e. specialist help and physical groups so I can actually talk about it in person rather than online.
Thanks.
Comments
Hey Nate1994
I'm sorry you are experiencing this.
I wanted to talk a little about my personal experience in case it is of help to you. I used to feel I watched too much porn - after trying Nofap for a bit and reading allot online about porn addiction, I was convinced I had a problem.
Turns out, though, I did not. The internet has a lot of heavy advice, mostly that watching allot of porn means you have an addiction and are destroying your dopamine and harming your motivation, etc. However, a lot of this advice is actually anecdotal, and porn use functioning as an addiction is not very accepted in the scientific community.
Through working with my doctor and psychologist, and by doing some research for a project at school, I have come to learn there is very little evidence porn is addictive. For me, the problem was actually shame and anxiety. A fear that I was addicted, and so I had convinced myself I was. I have now spoken to a lot of men who have had a similar experience.
Since this new realisation, I sometimes watch porn, sometimes don't. I barely even think about it. If I do watch a fair amount one night, I don't stress. As I know, generally, it's not a problem for me.
I do think, as others have suggested, talking to a doctor might help though - as it did for me. Is this something you would be open to? How are you feeling today about everything?
I appreciate all the help. I might talk to the GP as a first step because I like face-to-face chats and see what they suggest. I prefer not to pay all that money for a psychologist. I’m sure there is an alternative out there.
Im feeling fine today.
Hey @Nate1994
Talking to your doctor sounds like a great option. Feel free to let us know how you go!
conversation. Happy your feeling OK today! 🙂
Hey @Nate1994
Thanks for sharing your experiences here, I think that both @Guitarman97 and @sunnygirl606 have made some great suggestions, is going to your GP something you would feel comfortable doing?
Here is a link to SMART recovery, they run meetings for people who experience all types of addictions and could be a helpful service for you to check out.
Another option you could look into for face-to-face support is headspace, here is a link to find a centre near you.
Also just want to let you know that due to the anonymous nature of this forum, I have removed your name and location details from your post, you can check out our community guidelines here for more info on that 
Let us know how you go 
Hey @Nate1994
It is a good thing that you are aware of the addiction and that you are thinking about your future as well as here and now. Don't let other people make you feel shameful of your addiction; you reaching out and wanting help is a good start!
I agree with @Guitarman97 , seeing your local GP would be a good start, and they might be able to find services for you as they have more than likely seen this before. Don't feel afraid or ashamed to go to them or other services! They are there to help you provide you with the best care!
Hey @Nate1994, sorry to hear about your trouble, addiction can be a hard thing to battle. Good on you for accepting and reaching out about this issue, that's always the first big step!
Speaking to a GP can be a good place to start, they will have come across this issue many times before! Reach out has some great information on addiction here which you may find helpful also!
Stay strong and know that you can beat it, it will be a thing of the past soon!
