Pivotal Recovery in 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, all of us at Pivotal Recovery are taking a moment to reflect on what’s been an extraordinary year – not just for our organisation, but for the wider conversation happening in the UK about pornography, compulsive sexual behaviours, and access to effective help.

This year has been defined by growth, collaboration, visibility and real progress. Across public policy, media and clinical communities, dialogue about problematic porn use is becoming more informed, more compassionate and more evidence-based. And as discussions become broader and more honest, more people are finding their way to recovery and support.

Growing awareness and public conversation

This has been a transformative year in the public conversation around porn and compulsive sexual behaviours in the UK. Topics that were once discussed in hushed tones or dismissed outright have moved into mainstream arenas – from public policy to national media coverage – helping dispel stigma and widen understanding.

In February, the Independent Review of Pornography – commissioned by the UK Government – was published. This review represents a significant step forward in recognising the impact of readily accessible porn on young people and on wider cultural issues like violence against women and girls. One of its recommendations was to continue research into whether compulsive sexual behaviours involving porn should be formally classified as an addiction, which underlines how critical ongoing research and clarity in diagnosis remains.

Alongside this, the introduction of age verification for online porn in the UK marked a major policy milestone. While no system is perfect, this development shows a collective willingness to reduce harm for children and young people – a preventative step that offers protection at a time when digital exposure starts increasingly earlier.

Public interest in these issues isn’t abstract. Throughout 2025 we’ve seen widespread media coverage of Pivotal Recovery and the broader issues we work on – from The Independent to Cosmopolitan and Men’s Health – signalling that society at large is ready for a more nuanced, evidence-based conversation about porn and compulsive sexual behaviour. These discussions are helping shift public understanding from simplistic stereotypes to compassionate recognition of real struggles.

Expanding our support offerings

At the heart of Pivotal Recovery’s mission is ensuring that accessible, high-quality, research-based help is available to those who need it, whenever and wherever they are. This year, we’ve expanded our courses significantly to meet increasing demand.

We launched three new programmes that address important gaps in support:

• Pivotal For Partners – a 16-session course tailored to partners who have been affected by their loved one’s compulsive sexual behaviour. Often overlooked in traditional treatment frameworks, partners deserve dedicated guidance, understanding and tools to navigate the emotional impact of this experience.
• Pivotal For Couples – A 6-session course designed to help couples address the relational challenges linked to problematic pornography use, promoting healing for both individuals and their partnership.
• Pivotal Foundations – a free, 8-session introductory course that makes high-quality support accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. Offering an evidence-based first step for understanding what problem porn use looks like and how recovery begins, this course has opened doors for thousands who previously had nowhere to turn.

These programmes are built on decades of clinical experience and research. They combine professionally guided audio sessions with interactive workbooks, allowing individuals to engage with recovery at their own pace – privately, with dignity, and without shame.

Impact across borders

Numbers don’t tell the whole story, but they hint at the reach and influence of our work. In 2025, Pivotal Recovery reached over 4,000 users in more than 50 countries. That means thousands of individuals and couples from around the world have taken active steps toward healthier relationships with sexuality and wellbeing this year. And according to programme feedback, 98% of users said they would recommend Pivotal Recovery to others.

Our work with academic partners has also grown. In collaboration with the University of Birmingham, we’ve begun work on a collaborative study exploring the specific needs of students – a population that faces unique challenges related to pornography use and mental health. This study is ongoing, and we’re proud to partner with such a respected institution to better understand and support young adults in this critical phase of life.

At the same time, our research newsletter – Clinical Updates in CSBD – launched in conjunction with the Laurel Centre, and now has hundreds of subscribers from across the world. This resource shares all relevant research, regardless of school of thought, helping clinicians, educators and the public stay informed about the latest developments in compulsive sexual behaviour research and treatment.

Driving change through campaigning and partnerships

One of the standout moments of 2025 was our campaign work with LADbible, alongside charity partners, Movember and Fumble. Based on research involving 5,300 young adults aged 18-28, the FFS campaign sought to improve sex education and challenge unrealistic portrayals of sex in pornography. The results were presented in Parliament, in the presence of MPs – a powerful platform for change.

Pivotal Founder, Dr Paula Hall, spoke passionately about the risks of problematic porn use, how young people are asking for help, and the importance of accessible, non-judgmental support. This public advocacy work won’t end with a report – we’re hopeful it will continue into 2026 as part of broader efforts like the Men’s Health Summit in Parliament next year.

Looking ahead

2025 has been remarkable but our mission continues. Too many people still struggle alone, unsure where to turn, embarrassed to seek help or uncertain whether change is possible. This year, more voices have joined the chorus saying: “This matters. You aren’t alone. Help is out there.”

Not everyone who uses pornography experiences problems, but for the many people whose lives, relationships and wellbeing have been adversely affected by compulsive sexual behaviours – understanding, support and treatment should never be out of reach.

At Pivotal Recovery, we remain committed to:

• Expanding access to evidence-based support.
• Partnering with research and clinical communities to deepen understanding.
• Reducing stigma so individuals and couples can seek help without shame.

As we look toward 2026, we carry with us the stories of those who have reached out, taken brave steps toward change, and found clarity. Thank you to everyone who has walked alongside us and supported us.

Here’s to a new year!

Need support?

If you’re starting to question your porn-use and feel like you might be struggling with compulsive behaviours, why not take our “Am I an Addict” questionnaire.

For those that know they need support now, take a look at our suite of online support programmes.