Porn Addiction Hotline
Hotlines for porn addiction are an excellent resource for people that want to learn more about the condition and get help. Helplines are staffed by knowledgeable advisors who can help you find a treatment program for yourself or a loved one. They can help you understand the differences between treatment programs and walk you through the enrollment process.
This page will help you understand whether you or someone you care about is suffering from porn addiction, how a hotline can help, and what to expect when you call.
If you or your loved one is ready to get help, call our porn addiction hotline today at . Our treatment advisors are sympathetic and non-judgmental.
Porn Addiction Symptoms
Due to a lack of research and a consensus on terminology, there is no formal criteria or list of symptoms used to diagnose porn addiction. 1 However, many people seek treatment for sexual addictions, and researchers have identified some common features of problematic pornography use based on patient reports, including: 1,2
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- The inability to stop viewing porn.
- Preoccupation with viewing porn.
- Irresistible urges and impulses to view porn.
- Negative thoughts and feelings related to porn use, including guilt and shame.
- Consequences from porn use, including:
- Damaged relationships.
- Loss of productivity.
- Impaired performance at work or school.
- Job loss.
- Financial problems.
Researchers believe that one of the key features of compulsive sexual behavior such as porn addiction is repeatedly engaging in the behavior despite negative consequences. 1
If you believe you or someone you love may have a problem with porn, help is available. Many people across the country have entered treatment and recovered from the condition.
What Is a Porn Addiction Hotline?
Porn addiction hotlines are staffed by trained representatives. They can provide you with information about the costs of treatment and assist you in choosing the right program for your particular situation.
Hotlines are a great way to seek anonymous help for a porn addiction. People that work or volunteer at hotlines for porn addiction are understanding and will not judge you for your behavior. They can provide information about your addiction and helpful treatment interventions. Some hotlines will connect you with a treatment center that provides top-notch care, even on the same day you call, in some cases.
Treatment for porn addiction can help you reclaim your life. Call our helpline anytime at .
If You’re Afraid to Call
Many people feel guilt and shame about addiction. But when that addiction is of a sexual nature, asking for help can be especially hard.
Addictions often get worse if they are not treated, so reaching out for help is important, even if it makes you uncomfortable. Fortunately, helplines for porn addiction are anonymous and confidential, and the operators are non-judgmental.
What to Expect When You Call
When you call for porn addiction help, you can expect to be greeted with empathy and respect. Porn addiction helpline advisors will need to know why you are calling. You don’t have to give them your name or any other identifying information if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. But you will be asked to answer some basic questions about your addiction to porn and general mental state.
One thing they will want to know is if you have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. They will also likely ask about any current or previous substance abuse problems. In addition, they will ask about your age and living situation. Adolescent treatment options, for example, differ from those for college students, single adults, and married adults.
Although porn addiction helpline staff will ask for some details about your addiction, you are not required to provide answers. They might ask about the duration and intensity of your porn addiction. They might ask you to describe your symptoms so that they can give you the best treatment advice possible. For example, if you cannot be around a computer without giving in to temptation, you might prefer an inpatient program that limits your exposure to the Internet.
Hotline staffers will give you a list of treatment options for porn addiction help. These options can include inpatient treatment centers, outpatient care, or support groups. You will be guided through the process of selecting the best treatment options for you. No single treatment option is best for everyone. The treatment option you choose will depend on several factors, including location, cost, length of stay, and amenities.
Preparing for Your Call
Even though it is not required, preparing for your call can help things go more smoothly.
Before making the call, refer to the above list of porn addiction symptoms and think about which ones you are experiencing, how long you or your loved one has been experiencing them, and how intense these symptoms are. It will be helpful to discuss these signs with a treatment advisor when calling for help.
It is also helpful to write down a list of questions you might want to ask. It is easy to forget questions when you are on the phone, so think of a few beforehand, such as:
- Where is the program located?
- How much does it cost?
- How long does the program last?
- What kind of therapy does it offer?
- What’s the program like? What’s the daily schedule?
- Does it offer luxury amenities or executive facilities?
- Is it single-gender or coed?
If you’re ready to speak with someone about an addiction to porn, call .
Getting Help
When choosing where to get help for porn addiction, you have several options. These include:
- Inpatient residential treatment. Patients live at the facility and receive 24/7 care, therapy, and support.
- Outpatient treatment. These programs range from intensive full-time programs that last several weeks to weekly therapy in a private office environment.
- Luxury treatment programs. These are residential inpatient programs or intensive outpatient programs that offer high-end amenities in addition to conventional treatment. Amenities can include upscale lodging, swimming pools, spas, massage, yoga, acupuncture, and other alternative treatments.
- 12-step programs. These are peer-to-peer support groups that follow the same 12-step recovery protocol as Alcoholics Anonymous. Relevant 12-step programs include Sex Addicts Anonymous, Sexaholics Anonymous, and Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous.
Different porn addiction treatment programs use different types of therapy. Some common ones include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients recognize, avoid, and cope with situations in which they are most likely to engage in self-destructive behaviors.
- Individual therapy, which involves regular one-on-one meetings with a therapist.
- Family therapy, which might encourage you to invite your partner or spouse into your therapy sessions.
- Group therapy, which involves group discussions around addiction topics that are led by a trained therapist.
Other Resources
The following hotlines can help you find treatment programs, therapists, and other resources for behavioral addictions and mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Chat: Lifeline Crisis Chat Program
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will be connected to the crisis center nearest you. If you need someone to lean on for emotional support, call the Lifeline. People call to discuss all types of problems, including addictions, relationships, sexual identity, and loneliness.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline
Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service in English and Spanish for individuals and families facing mental health disorders and substance or behavioral addictions.
SAMHSA’s Helpline does not provide counseling and emotional support. Their trained specialists can transfer you to an appropriate intake center in your state or connect you with local assistance and support. They can refer you to therapists, counselors, treatment programs, and support groups in your area.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline
Call: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Email: info@nami.org
The NAMI Helpline is available Monday–Friday, from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. EST. Helpline staff and volunteers are there to answer your questions about mental health issues, including symptoms of addiction and mental health conditions, treatment options, behavioral health issues, programs to help find jobs, legal issues, and how to help a loved one get treatment.
They do not provide counseling and cannot give specific treatment recommendations. They can answer questions about local support groups and services. In the event of a crisis, your call will be transferred to a national crisis helpline.
Boys Town National Hotline
Text: “VOICE” to 20121
The Boys Town Hotline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for anyone who needs help. It is staffed by specially trained Boys Town counselors. Spanish-speaking counselors and translation services representing more than 140 languages are available, along with a TDD line (1-800-448-1833) that allows counselors to communicate with speech-impaired and deaf callers. There is a text line for teens and young adults that is available every day from 4 p.m.–1 a.m. CST. They are also available by chat or email.
Crisis Text Line
Text: text “hello” to 741741
A free, confidential, 24/7 text line for people in crisis. You will receive an automated text asking you what your crisis is and within minutes you will be connected to a live counselor. The person on the other end will help calm you down and get you into a safe state of mind. People text the crisis line for all types of problems. If you feel you need emotional support, but don’t feel comfortable speaking to someone on the phone, this is a good place to turn.
Sources
[1]. Fong, T. (2006). Understanding and Managing Compulsive Sexual Behaviors. Psychiatry 3(11): 51-58.
[2]. Crosby, J. (2011). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the Treatment of Compulsive Pornography Use: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Utah State University Digital Commons.
