Former GB Olympian has spoken about addressing problematic pornography use and the recovery process, prompting experts to highlight common warning signs and available routes to treatment. Health professionals stress that problematic use can affect people across ages and backgrounds and is treated as a behavioural health concern when it causes significant distress or impairs daily functioning.
Clinicians say early indicators include persistent preoccupation with pornography, unsuccessful attempts to cut down, use that interferes with work, training or relationships, and continued use despite negative consequences. Increased secrecy, shame, escalating time spent viewing content, and needing more extreme material to achieve the same effect are also common markers that professional assessment may be helpful.
For anyone concerned, the first point of contact is often a GP or a local sexual health clinic, which can provide assessment and signpost onward care. The NHS and accredited support organisations offer information and referral pathways to evidence-based interventions, including individual therapy, group programmes and digital treatment options. Where appropriate, clinicians may refer to specialist therapists who use approaches such as CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and other therapies tailored to compulsive sexual behaviours.
Practical steps recommended alongside professional treatment include establishing clear boundaries around internet use, using filtering or accountability software, adjusting routines to reduce triggers, and involving trusted friends or family where safe and appropriate. Clinicians also advise careful attention to co-occurring issues such as anxiety, depression or substance use, which can compound compulsive behaviours and may need concurrent treatment.
Health services emphasise that recovery is a process and support is available for those seeking change. In urgent situations where someone feels at risk of self-harm or is in immediate crisis, contact emergency services or crisis lines such as Samaritans or local NHS urgent services. For non-urgent concerns, a GP appointment or accessing information via official health service websites is a practical first step toward assessment and support.
