Teenagers and porn addiction: overcoming shame

I'm a teenage boy who has been addicted to porn for 2 years. I want to quit but find it provides good stress relief.

The main barrier has been having the will to find help. I couldn't seek help if I risked everyone knowing I was addicted. I am not sure if I can bare that shame.

Firstly, thank you for getting in touch.

A lot of guys will be able to relate to these feelings of shame and embarrassment. The trouble is, these feelings actually keep us locked into the habit. The thought of other people knowing freaks us out, and what do we turn to when we're feeling freaked out? It's usually more porn, as a source of comfort and control.

For millions of men, masturbation (with or without porn) provides stress relief. And there's certainly nothing wrong with that. Things can get out of control when we attach too much importance to porn in our lives. We might find ourselves obsessing over it, looking at stuff that makes us uncomfortable (but still watching it) or simply spending too much time shut away at the computer.

It certainly does feel like an addiction, and it's natural to not want everyone to know. And why should they? Just like any personal matter, you are entitled to get some help and support without it becoming public knowledge.

How would your mum or dad react if you shared your feelings with them? They're not going to be overjoyed, I'm sure, but would they understand and hear you out? Or perhaps you know a teacher, friend or other relative who you could talk to. Opening up about this with someone you trust can go a long way towards getting confident and viewing your future beyond this habit.