Porn Addiction: When It's a Problem and How to Get Help with Dr. Rena Malik

Seeking Professional Help for Porn Use

• 💡 If you believe you have a problem with porn, the best first step is to find a qualified psychologist with a background in sexual education.
• 📌 Resources like asexact.org can help you find certified sex therapists, sex educators, and psychologists.
• 🧠 Effective therapeutic approaches often include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and acceptance-based strategies.

Why 'Cold Turkey' Often Fails

• ⚠️ Simply trying to eliminate porn use, especially when advised by unvetted online coaches, often leads to shame and relapse.
• 📉 Research indicates that evidence-based therapies are more effective than abrupt cessation for those struggling with porn use.
• 🚀 The idea that quitting cold turkey is the only solution is often promoted online but is not supported by data.

Identifying Problematic Porn Use

• 🎯 Signs of a potential problem include pervasive shame, negative thoughts, and difficulty controlling use despite negative consequences.
• ⚠️ If porn use interferes with relationships, duties, or responsibilities, it's a strong indicator of an issue.
• ✅ Conversely, if porn use is shame-free and does not negatively impact your life, it is less likely to be a problem.
• 💬 If you feel shame about porn use, even if you're unsure if it's a problem, it's worth exploring the reasons behind that shame.