The Effectiveness of a Virtual Psychological Treatment Program for Self-Recovery from Pornography Consumption Addiction

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of a virtual psychological treatment program titled “From Addiction to Safety”, designed to promote self-recovery from problematic pornography consumption. The program was developed in response to the growing need for accessible and confidential interventions that address barriers to treatment, including stigma, fear of disclosure, and limited access to specialized services. Grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and insight-oriented therapeutic principles, the intervention aimed to enhance participants’ cognitive, emotional, and self-awareness regarding the underlying causes of addictive behaviors. The program was delivered online in a group format consisting of 16 therapeutic sessions organized into four progressive stages. Participants experiencing problematic pornography use were assessed using both quantitative and qualitative measures before and after completing the program. Findings indicated a significant reduction in pornography consumption, accompanied by improvements in self-awareness, emotional insight, and understanding of the psychological mechanisms sustaining addictive behavior. Participants also reported enhanced emotional regulation, greater ability to identify triggers, and increased use of adaptive coping strategies when dealing with stress and negative emotions. The results support the potential effectiveness of digitally delivered self-recovery interventions in addressing behavioral addictions. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive and privacy-oriented online treatment models within Arab societies, offering a promising framework for expanding access to mental health services and promoting sustainable recovery from problematic pornography use.