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Pornography addiction can feel overwhelming and isolating.
It’s a type of sex addiction that sneaks up on you. What starts as occasional viewing may become a habit that’s difficult to stop.
One of the best first steps in getting help is to talk with your GP.
Trust me when I say that the GPs at Doctors of South Melbourne have seen it all. I assure you that your story won’t be the most outrageous we’ve heard this month, let alone today.
My job is to listen and help.
ON THIS PAGE
- Is porn bad for you?
- How common is pornography addiction?
- Signs you may be addicted to porn
- Self-help tips to quit pornography
- When to seek help from your GP
- Recovery: What to expect on the other side
- About Dr Andrew Nolen
Like other behavioural addictions, ‘adult content’ consumption can become compulsive because of its impact on the brain’s reward system, particularly dopamine, which drives the urge to keep seeking more.
Many people notice themselves making excuses, feeling distressed when they try to stop, or realising their internet use is taking up more time and energy than they’d like.
Over time, this can affect not just you, but also your family and relationships, mental health, and even work or finances. Feelings of depression, isolation, or loss of connection are common.
The good news is that there’s hope. And lots of it.
With evidence-based treatments, many people have successfully overcome porn addiction and gone on to live their best lives.
You can too.
Is Pornography Bad for You?
From a medical point of view, porn isn’t something doctors generally consider good or bad.
It certainly has its place in society. I wouldn’t go as far as to suggest porn can save a marriage, but patients certainly attest to incorporating porn into their sex lives.
However, when it starts to occupy too much space in your life, the downsides can accumulate and harm your physical, emotional, and relational well-being.
Some of the biggest concerns include:
- Sexual dysfunction: Heavy use floods the brain with dopamine. Over time, this can dull natural responses, making real-life intimacy feel less exciting or even leading to performance difficulties.
- Disconnection with partners: When it feels more stimulating than a relationship, closeness and intimacy can start to fade.
Such addiction can also take a toll on mental health and daily life:
- Hours spent online can lead to guilt, loneliness, or depression.
- Work, study, and motivation can suffer, leaving people feeling stuck.
- Confidence and self-worth often take a hit, creating a cycle that’s hard to break.
Yet, things can certainly change. Stepping back from your computer or device can help you find your energy, relationships, and sense of self, returning stronger than ever.
How Common Is Porn Addiction?
According to the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships, about 76% of men and 41% of women* report viewing pornography within the past year.
The numbers drop when it comes to ‘self-identified addiction’: Around 4% of men and 1% of women said they were addicted — I wouldn’t be surprised if these percentages were higher.
Statistically, most people at risk of addiction are young males, those with mental health struggles, trauma histories, or other addictive behaviours.
Several related factors elevate the risk, such as:
- Addictions: People already dealing with substance use, gambling, or gaming issues are more likely to develop compulsive porn habits.
- Mental health challenges: Depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem can make pornography a coping tool, raising the risk of dependency.
- Early exposure & easy access: Most Australian teenagers encounter online adult material during adolescence, and smartphones make it available 24/7.
- Trauma history: Survivors of childhood abuse or neglect are more likely to struggle with sexual compulsivity.
- Family background: Growing up in a household affected by addiction can increase vulnerability.
- Relationship issues: People experiencing difficulties with intimacy may turn to the internet as an escape.
Understanding who’s most at risk helps reduce stigma and highlights why reaching out for support can make all the difference.
* Though I’ve used a cisgender context to discuss this complex area of medicine, I recognise and appreciate that not all people identify with binary genders.
Signs of Dependency
Pornography addiction often develops gradually, but certain signs can help you recognise when casual viewing has shifted into something more serious.
You might notice a growing need for more frequent or more extreme content to achieve the same level of satisfaction. This escalation can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, or frustration, yet stopping still feels out of reach.
Some people may even take risks, such as viewing pornography in inappropriate settings or hiding their behaviour from partners or friends.
Many people also find that their sex life or romantic relationships suffer, with intimacy becoming less fulfilling or communication breaking down.
Another warning sign is using pornography as an emotional crutch. If porn is your go-to for coping with stress, loneliness, or boredom, it may point to a deeper dependency.
Tips for Breaking the Addiction
It’s no surprise that most people have a good go at quitting porn themselves before seeking help and advice from their GP.
An essential first step here is to admit your consumption is getting a little out of hand. There are many online porn addiction tests to help shed some light on your suspicions.
Kicking the habit isn’t easy, but with the right tools and mindset, it is possible. Here are some simple, at-home tips you can try:
- Know your “why” – Write down the reasons you want to quit (better relationships, more focus, less guilt). Look back at this list when temptation hits.
- Delete files, bookmarks, and apps – Throw away any magazines. Use blockers or filters on your devices to cut off easy access.
- Spot your triggers – Pay attention to the times, places, or moods that push you toward porn. Once you identify them, you can better avoid or manage them.
- Swap it for something positive – When cravings hit, do something else to interrupt the urge: go for a walk, read, or call a friend.
- Talk about it – Opening up to a trusted family member or a friend removes the secrecy. There are also many support groups.
- Track your wins – Keep a journal of your progress, no matter how small. Celebrate milestones to stay motivated.
- Use tech – Install apps or programs such as Brainbuddy and QUITTR.
Remember, slipping up doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
Recovery is about progress, not perfection. Every small step gets you closer to freedom.
When to Seek Help From Your GP
If you’ve tried cutting back on porn yourself and it’s still negatively affecting your life, visiting a doctor experienced in sexual health is a great next step.
Most GPs at the clinic can offer support, advise on practical strategies, and provide valuable insight into what’s driving the behaviour.
It’s important that together we explore treating any underlying factors contributing to pornography addiction, including:
- Mental health conditions
- Other substance or physiological addictions
- Trauma history
If relationship issues are thought to be the cause, couples or relationship counselling can be beneficial.
Addiction Treatment Options
A common treatment approach is psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT helps people recognise unhelpful thought patterns, understand their triggers, and develop healthier ways to cope.
Medication may also play a role, though there isn’t a drug designed specifically for porn addiction. We may consider prescribing antidepressants, mood stabilisers, or medications like naltrexone to reduce cravings and obsessive thoughts.
In more severe cases, we may consider antiandrogens that lower sexual urges.
Often, the most effective treatment combines therapy with medication when needed, alongside support from groups or loved ones.
Seeking help early can make recovery more manageable and improve long-term outcomes.
Recovery: What to Expect on the Other Side
Choosing to step away from pornography opens the door to stronger relationships, greater self-worth, improved productivity, and a renewed sense of well-being.
Naturally, some people experience a period that may involve these withdrawal symptoms:
- Increased anxiety and depression
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Loneliness
- Cravings
- Physical pain
The effects of withdrawing from porn addiction are usually temporary. Continuing to talk openly with trusted loved ones and support networks, using some of the at-home tips above, and staying busy can really help.
Medical intervention is always an option, though we’re confident that if you’ve come this far, you can very likely get to the other side.
Remember, every step you take is a step toward the stronger, healthier version of yourself.
You’re capable of lasting change, and your family, friends, and future are worth it.
Dr Andrew Nolen is a local GP at Doctors of South Melbourne
Andrew’s special interests include sexual health, mental health and LGBTQIA+ health.
Due to ongoing health issues, he has temporarily reduced his consulting hours and is not accepting new patients at this time.
However, you can make an appointment online with most other GPs at the clinic, or simply call us on (03) 8579 6838.
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