Supporting students who are experiencing Problematic Porn Use (PPU) – a pilot study in collaboration with Pivotal Recovery and University of Birmingham
What is PPU?
Problematic Porn Use (PPU) is more common than many people realise. An estimated 88% of 18-28 year olds watch porn, and 63% of them started before they were 16. While some watch it without issues, others find it feels difficult to control or starts to impact their wellbeing, studies or relationships.
Each year, 4-6% of students disclose concerns about porn use when accessing the University’s Mental Health Service – but it’s likely many more are struggling in silence. It’s easy to understand how you can get trapped in a cycle of addictive behaviour with porn, however, access to specialist support is often difficult and involves a long wait.
Introducing Pivotal: a free, confidential course
To help support students who are struggling with PPU, we have partnered with Pivotal Recovery to run a pilot study, providing you with free access to a professionally guided online programme, delivered by renowned sex and relationship psychotherapist and author Dr. Paula Hall.
The course is designed specifically with students in mind. It includes:
- 40 short pre-recorded podcasts
- An online workbook
You can access everything in your own time to explore and understand your porn use and make changes so you can have a fulfilling university life.
Is your porn use a problem?
If you’re unsure, then you might like to take the ‘Am I an addict?’ test on the Pivotal Recovery website. This can help you reflect on your habits and how they’re affecting you.
How to access Pivotal Recovery
This is a confidential service, and no details will be stored on your University academic records or be viewed by anyone across the University.
To access Pivotal Recovery, please complete the form and you will be sent an email with more details and next steps.
Receive free access to Pivotal Recovery
Participant Information Sheet Jan 2026
Terms and Conditions - Pivotal Recovery
Who can apply for free access to Pivotal Recovery?
This pilot study is open to all current University of Birmingham students whilst there are licences available (up to 300).
Will anyone be told I am accessing Pivotal?
No not at all. Once you have registered your details, you will be sent the code to access the Pivotal course, and no personalised information will be shared by Pivotal with the University about your course engagement.
No, this is a free pilot study and there up to 300 licences available. The normal cost of accessing Pivotal Recovery is approx. £95
What does the course cover?
You can find more information about the course on the Pivotal Recovery website. The pilot study is a slightly condensed version of the course which has been adapted specifically with students in mind.
The course consists of 40 pre-recorded podcasts and an online workbook which you can access and work through in your own time - all aimed to help you explore and understand your porn use and make the changes you need to have a fulfilling life at University.
Is there a time limit to start and complete the course?
Once you receive your unique access code you will have 7 days to enrol on the course. If you choose not to enrol you will be withdrawn from the study and you will not be contacted again.
If you start the course then decide to withdraw, you can email student@pivatolrecovery.org and you will be taken off the course.
Once enrolled, you have 70 days to complete the course – and once completed and you have returned the anonymous feedback form, then you will have lifetime access to the content.
What other information is required?
After you have completed the course or disengaged, you will be sent an anonymous survey asking about your experiences with Pivotal Recovery course and if you found it helpful.