Pornography addiction: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Get emergency help now if you may act on thoughts of suicide, cannot keep yourself safe, or believe you may engage in sexual behaviour without consent or involving a child.

   Move away from potential victims, avoid being alone with anyone at risk, and contact local emergency services or a crisis service.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent mental health help if distress is becoming overwhelming, you are having thoughts of self-harm, or your behaviour is escalating into unsafe situations.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment with a primary care or mental health professional if pornography use repeatedly feels beyond your control, causes significant distress, or interferes with work, study, sleep, finances, relationships, or sexual wellbeing.

   Routine help is also appropriate if attempts to stop lead to repeated cycles of secrecy and shame, or if depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms, substance use, or attention problems may be contributing.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Pornography addiction. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.