What is porn addiction? Is it even an addiction? What causes compulsive porn use β and how can people recover?
In this powerful episode of P-Word Talks, expert psychotherapist Paula Hall β one of the UKβs leading voices in sex and porn addiction recovery β breaks down the reality of problematic porn use today.
Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Paula explains:
βοΈ The neuroscience behind compulsive porn use
βοΈ Why shame keeps so many trapped
βοΈ How porn addiction affects mental health and relationships
βοΈ The truth about escalation and addiction labels
βοΈ Why recovery is absolutely possible β and how to get there
βοΈ How group work, therapy, and support make a difference
βοΈ What society, families, and partners need to understand
Whether youβre struggling yourself, supporting someone else, or simply curious about this growing public health issue, this candid conversation will equip you with insight and hope.
π For more honest conversations, subscribe to P-Word Talks today.
Chapters:
Meet Paula Hall, leading therapist in porn and sex addiction
How Paula began working in porn addiction recovery
What does Paulaβs work look like today? (Laurel Centre, Pivotal Recovery, ISTAT)
How has porn addiction changed in the past 10β15 years?
Big misconceptions about porn addiction
Why is the term βporn addictionβ controversial?
What is compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD)?
Is porn addiction on a spectrum? Recreational vs compulsive use
Is it just about morality? Understanding moral incongruence
What happens in the brain when consuming porn? (Dopamine & neuroscience)Why teens are especially vulnerable to compulsive porn useSmartphones, dopamine, and porn: a perfect storm?Protective vs risk factors β why some people are more vulnerableIs there a typical porn addict? (Demographics, gender, age)How addiction is often a way of coping with emotional painThe CHOICE recovery model explainedWhat is full recovery from porn addiction? (Not just sobriety)The disease model vs biopsychosocial model of addictionWhy group therapy is so effective for recoveryInspiring recovery stories β lives changed through group workHow partners and spouses are impacted β and what they needCommon emotional responses of partners (rage, shock, confusion)Why partners need their own recovery supportFighting stigma around porn addictionPublic policy, education, and where society needs to goThe future: What needs to change in the next 10β20 yearsFinal thoughts & thanks to Paula Hall