More Than Half of UK Therapists Report Rise in Out-of-Control Pornography Use
A recent survey conducted by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) involving nearly 3,000 accredited therapists and counsellors revealed that 53% have seen an increase in people seeking help for problematic pornography use. Clients often report that their out-of-control porn consumption interferes with daily life or leads them to seek more extreme content.
Many individuals are neglecting responsibilities and damaging personal relationships as a result of their porn use. Some even present with erectile dysfunction and are referred to therapists from NHS sexual health clinics.
Dr Paula Hall, founder of Pivotal Recovery, which offers online self-help resources, and the Laurel Centre, which treats addiction and trains therapists, highlighted the role of stigma and shame surrounding porn use, which often contributes to isolation. She called for a government-wide strategy on porn addiction that assesses economic and societal costs and expands support resources, especially for young people.
Andrew Harvey, a counsellor, noted that porn addiction can disrupt studies, careers, and intimate relationships as users seek novelty and escalate to more extreme material.
There remains ongoing debate over whether pornography is genuinely addictive. Therapy approaches focus on harm reduction and supporting healthy sexual expression rather than advocating for a ban on sexual activity.
This information was published on 3 January 2026 and is based on data from the BACP.
