How a former GB Olympian curbed his porn problem - and the signs and steps to recovery
Experts share the signs to look out for if you are worried about your porn use, and how to seek help.
Freddie Woodward, a former British Olympian diver, discovered his issue with pornography during his teenage years. By the age of 12, he was frequently viewing "hardcore" content and watched adult material several times a day throughout his career, including while representing his country in the Olympics. Now 30, Woodward has shared his journey of overcoming his habit with the BBC, emphasizing the importance of shifting one's mindset to no longer be someone who watches porn, but instead, someone who does not watch porn, which requires significant effort.
Experts, such as sex and relationship psychotherapist Silva Neves, note that "porn addiction" is not an officially recognized condition, but the issue has become more prevalent among his clients. While some clinicians categorize excessive porn use as a compulsive sexual behavior disorder, recognized by the World Health Organization, the NHS acknowledges that addiction to almost anything, including sex, is possible.
Key indicators of an unhealthy porn habit include negatively impacting one's life, such as arriving late to work or prioritizing porn over personal commitments, struggling to cut back, and continued use despite decreasing enjoyment.
For a recovering addict like Craig, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic amplified his issues, as the stress and isolation compounded his dependency. Researcher Campbell Ince from Monash University emphasizes that while "problematic porn use" is widely acknowledged among clinicians, the causes and treatments remain uncertain. Factors such as trauma, childhood issues, and negative self-belief may contribute to the difficulty in managing this habit.
Additionally, AI-generated porn exacerbates the problem by providing highly personalized content, making it even more challenging to quit.
To address a potential porn addiction, Ince recommends consulting with a qualified, experienced professional, ideally a registered psychologist, who can assess the situation holistically, considering co-occurring mental health issues. For Craig, therapy for his mental health revealed the extent of his issue, leading him to join a 12-step program for sex addiction, modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. This approach has helped him maintain his recovery, emphasizing the importance of making progress "one day at a time."
Written by urgent.news from BBC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written; read the original for the full account.
