BREAKING FREE: OVERCOMING PORNOPGRAPHY ADDICTION

Rationale
The widespread availability and easy access to pornography have led to an
increasing number of individuals struggling with addiction and its negative
consequences. This program aims to provide a comprehensive and supportive
framework for individuals seeking to overcome pornography addiction. By integrating
therapy as one of the modules, participants can address underlying issues, develop
healthier coping strategies, and establish a solid foundation for lasting recovery.

Main Objectives
1. Understand the impact of pornography addiction on mental, emotional and
relational well-being
2. Develop strategies to overcome triggers, cravings, and compulsive behaviors
associated with pornography.
3. Build a healthy coping mechanisms and positive self-image.
4. Cultivate and foster healthy relationships and enhance intimacy, if present and
needed.
5. Provide therapeutic support system for individuals throughout their recovery
journey.

MODULE 1: Education and Awareness

I. Objectives
1. Understand the nature of pornography addiction and how it affects the brain
of the individual.
2. Recognize the emotional and psychological impact of pornography on the
individuals and the involved relationships.
3. Develop knowledge about the potential consequences of long-term
pornography use.
II. Activities
1. Addiction Education Workshop
 Person Involved. Facilitator, participants
 Materials. Presentation slides, and handouts
 Time Frame. 60-90 minutes
 Instructions. The participants must understand the nature of the
pornography addiction, how it develops, and its effects on the brain. Also,
this psychoeducational workshop will discuss how pornography addiction
affects the individual and his/her relationships.
 2. Assessment
 Person Involved. Participants
 Materials. Assessment Sheets (see Appendix A and Appendix B), pencil
 Time Frame. 10-20 minutes
 Instructions. The participants/client will undergo an assessment
evaluating the frequency and severity of porn addiction.

MODULE 2: Therapy and Individual Support

I. Objectives
1. Address underlying issues and emotional triggers related to pornography
addiction.
2. Develop personalized strategies for managing cravings and urges.
3. Build a positive self-image and rebuild self-esteem.
II. Activities
1. Individual Therapy Session
 Person Involved. Participant, therapist
 Materials. Therapy session materials (e.g., worksheets, journals, or
checklists)
 Time Frame. Frequency determined by therapist and the client
 Instructions. The participant will engage in therapy sessions with a
therapist specializing about this addiction. With the guidance of the
therapist, underlying issues will be explored, then develop coping
mechanisms, and will receive personalized guidance and support.

MODULE 3: Coping Strategies and Relapse Prevention

I. Objectives
1. Identify triggers and develop strategies for managing and preventing
relapse.
2. Create healthy coping mechanisms to replace pornography use.
3. Establish a relapse prevention plan for long-term recovery.
II. Activities
1. Trigger Identification and Management
 Person Involved. Participant
 Materials. Understanding Your Triggers Worksheet (see Appendix C),
pen/pencil
 Time Frame. 30-60 minutes
 Instructions. The participant will engage in a deep reflection of self and
explore what are the triggers or the cues that causes addictive thoughts
and cravings. Reflect on situations, emotions, or circumstances that often
lead to pornography use.
 2. Relapse Prevention Planning.
 Person Involved. Participant and therapist
 Materials. Relapse Prevention Plan Template (see Appendix D),
pen/pencil
 Time Frame. Recommended as last phase of the program
 Instructions. The participant will collaborate with the therapist to develop
a relapse prevention plan. The identifies triggers will be used to establish
healthy coping strategies, and to outline steps to take in case of relapse.
Updating and modifying accordingly the plan throughout the program is
encourage to refine the plan.

MODULE 4: Healthy Relationships and Intimacy

I. Objectives
1. Improve communication skills and rebuild trusts in relationships.
2. Enhance emotional intimacy and connections
3. Develop strategies for maintaining healthy boundaries and fostering positive
relationships.
II. Activities
1. Couples or Relationship Therapy Sessions
 Person Involved. Participant, partner, therapist,
 Materials. Therapy session materials
 Time Frame. Therapy sessions will be determined by therapist and the
client
 Instructions. This activity is designed for participant/client that is a
relationship or has a partner. They will engage in couples therapy
sessions to address the impact of pornography addiction in relationship.
Focusing on rebuilding trust, improving communication, and fostering
emotional intimacy.
 APPENDICES

Appendix A: Assessment No.11

Questions Notes
Times per week:
_____________
How many times do you view internet pornography Duration:
per week? Masturbation: ____________
_____________

What are the main categories or genres that you

view?
How often do you have sex with your spouse (or
others)?
Have you had unsuccessful attempts at quitting
pornography in the past?
Have you experienced a lack of productivity due to
Yes: ______ No: ______
pornography use?
Do you struggle with viewing others as sexual
Yes: ______ No: ______
objects?
Do you experience cravings when going without
Yes: ______ No: ______
pornography?
Do you have intrusive thoughts about
Yes: ______ No: ______
pornography?
Have you begun to question your sexual
Yes: ______ No: ______
orientation since you began using pornography?
Can you masturbate to climax without
Yes: ______ No: ______
pornography ?
Have you escalated to pornography genres that
Yes: ______ No: ______
you find disturbing?
If you have partner:
Is your partner aware that you view porn? If so, do
Yes: ______ No: ______
they know how often?
Have you become less interested in sexual contact
Yes: ______ No: ______
with your partner since viewing pornography?
Do you have problems maintaining an erection
Yes: ______ No: ______
when having sex with a partner?
Do you feel fantasize about sexual images during
Yes: ______ No: ______
sexual contact with your partner?
Have you asked your partner to engage in sexual
Yes: ______ No: ______
acts influenced by what you see online?
1 Adapted from the Sexual Dependency Inventory and Your Brain on Porn Website
Appendix B: Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS)
Please, think back to the last six months and indicate on the following 7-point scale how often or to
what extent the statements apply to you. There is no right or wrong answer. Please indicate the
answer that most applies to you.

1- 2- 3- 4- 5- 6- 7-
Never Rarely Occasionally Sometime Often Very often All the time
s

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1. I felt that porn is an important part of my life O O O O O O O

2. I used porn to restore the tranquility of my feelings O O O O O O O
3. I felt porn caused problems in my sexual life O O O O O O O
4. I felt that I had to watch more and more porn for satisfaction O O O O O O O
5. I unsuccessfully tried to reduce the amount of porn I watch O O O O O O O
6. I became stressed when something prevented me from watching porn O O O O O O O
7. I thought about how good it would be to watch porn O O O O O O O
8. Watching porn got rid of my negative feelings O O O O O O O
9. Watching porn prevented me from bringing out the best in me O O O O O O O
10. I felt that I needed more and more porn in order to satisfy my needs O O O O O O O
11. When I vowed not to watch porn anymore, I could only do it for a short O O O O O O O
period of time
12. I became agitated when I was unable to watch porn O O O O O O O
13. I continually planned when to watch porn O O O O O O O
14. I released my tension by watching porn O O O O O O O
15. I neglected other leisure activities as a result of watching porn O O O O O O O
16. I gradually watched more “extreme” porn, because the porn I watched O O O O O O O
before was less satisfying
17. I resisted watching porn for only a little while before I relapsed O O O O O O O
18. I missed porn greatly when I didn’t watch it for a while O O O O O O O

Scoring: Add the scores of the items of each factor. For the total score add all the scores of the
items. 76 points or more indicate possible problematic pornography use

Salience: 1, 7, 13

Mood modification: 2, 8, 14

Conflict: 3, 9, 15

Tolerance: 4, 10, 16

Relapse: 5, 11, 17

Withdrawal: 6, 12, 18
Appendix C: Understanding Your Triggers
Remember, this exercise is an opportunity for self-reflection and awareness. Approach it
with an open and non-judgmental mindset to gain valuable insights into your triggers
and enhance your relapse prevention efforts.
Steps Description
Identify Reflect on situations, emotions, or circumstances that often lead to pornography
use.

Rate On a scale of 1 to 10, being 10 as the highest, rate the intensity of each trigger.

Developing Identify coping strategies, that you can do, to manage each triggers effectively.
Coping
Strategies

Action Plan Select one trigger and a coping strategy when the trigger arises. Set a goal to
implement the coping strategy every time you encounter or experience this
trigger.

Review and Periodically review and revise trigger identification and coping strategies as
Revision needed. Be open to exploring new strategies and adjusting your approach based
on what works best for you.
Appendix D: Relapse Intervention Plan
Relapse prevention is an ongoing process. Be proactive, stay connected to your
support system, and practice self-care to maintain your progress and avoid relapse.

Steps Description
Early Warning Identify the warning signs that indicate you are at risk of replace.
Signs These signs can be emotional, physical, or behavioral in nature.

Coping Develop a list of healthy coping strategies to effectively manage

Strategies cravings and prevent relapse. These strategies can help you
redirect your thoughts and behaviors in a positive way.

Support System Identify the people in your support system who can provide
assistance and encouragement during difficult times. This may
include friends, family members, therapists, or support groups.
Share your relapse prevention plan with them and communicate
your needs and goals.

High-Risk Identify the high-risk situations or triggers that may increase the
Situations likelihood of relapse. These can be specific environments,
activities, or people that have historically led to pornography use

Develop specific strategies to manage high-risk situations

Strategies to effectively. These strategies can help you navigate through
Manage High- challenging circumstances and make healthier choices.
Risk Situations

Self-Care Prioritize self-care activities that contribute to your overall well-

being and promote a healthy lifestyle. This includes activities that
help you relax, reduce stress, and enhance your emotional and
physical health.

Review and Regularly review and revise your relapse prevention plan based
Revision on your progress and changing needs. Stay open to learning from
your experiences and adjusting your strategies accordingly.