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Finding Help for Compulsive Sexual Behaviours — and Why They Often Appear Alongside Heavy Cannabis Use
Emily Kurnell Emily Kurnell

Finding Help for Compulsive Sexual Behaviours — and Why They Often Appear Alongside Heavy Cannabis Use

From the perspective of an addiction specialist, one of the most common patterns I see is people struggling with a compulsive behaviour — something they turn to for comfort, escape, or emotional regulation — and feeling completely alone in it. Compulsive sexual behaviours are one example. Many people feel ashamed, confused, or afraid to talk about it, even though it’s far more common than most realize.

And very often, this behaviour shows up alongside chronic cannabis use. The two can reinforce each other in ways that make both harder to stop.

The good news is that recovery is absolutely possible, and the path forward is clearer than people think.

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Chronic Cannabis and Pornography Use: The Brain, the Trap, and the Path to Recovery
Emily Kurnell Emily Kurnell

Chronic Cannabis and Pornography Use: The Brain, the Trap, and the Path to Recovery

Addiction isn’t always about hard drugs or alcohol. Two of the most underestimated yet deeply impactful struggles I see in my practice are chronic cannabis use and compulsive pornography consumption. On their own, each can alter brain chemistry and derail lives. Together, they create a cycle of sedation and stimulation that hijacks the brain’s reward system, leaving individuals trapped in patterns that feel impossible to break.

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When Porn and Marijuana Addiction Go Hand in Hand
Emily Kurnell Emily Kurnell

When Porn and Marijuana Addiction Go Hand in Hand

In the world of addiction recovery, we often talk about substances and behaviors as separate struggles. But in reality, they frequently intertwine—feeding off each other, reinforcing the same cycles of escape, and deepening the same emotional wounds. Two of the most commonly paired addictions I see in my practice are pornography and marijuana. On their own, each can be destructive. Together, they can quietly overtake a person’s life.

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Understanding Pornography Addiction at an Early Age: Effects on the Brain and Pathways to Recovery
Emily Kurnell Emily Kurnell

Understanding Pornography Addiction at an Early Age: Effects on the Brain and Pathways to Recovery

In an age where digital content is more accessible than ever, exposure to pornography at an early age has become a growing concern. For some, this exposure can develop into a compulsive behavior, leading to what is often referred to as pornography addiction. As an addiction practitioner, I’ve seen how this issue can profoundly affect young individuals, shaping their brain development, emotional health, and relationships. Let’s explore the impact of early pornography addiction and the steps toward recovery.

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