THE first 24-hour counselling service for the UK’s estimated 1.2 million adult online pornography addicts has been launched in Bournemouth.

HelpAddictions.org is operated by Chrysalis Courses, which has been running counselling in Bournemouth for the last 12 years.

Dr Chris Forester, one of the site’s experts, said: “As trained therapists, we have become increasingly aware of porn addiction, principally because of easy, affordable internet access.

“Porn addiction has become a huge issue, with negative impacts on people’s sex lives, relationships and even careers.

“In the short space of time since our launch, we have received hundreds of inquiries from people who want to quit porn but just don’t know how to.

“Most people feel ashamed of their habit and it puts a strain on their relationships.”

The company says addiction to internet porn is increasing at an ‘alarming’ rate, with most of the victims middle-class white collar workers whose professions bring them into daily contact with the internet.

Another growing group is retired men.

The six-week not-for-profit programme costs from £89 and operates seven days a week.

It uses live telephone sessions with trained counsellors and accountability software, which monitors online activity and sends a list of viewed x-rated websites to the user’s therapist.

Other treatments include a home study programme, daily exercises, audio files and access to a confidential online forum where users can support fellow addicts.

The site also offers support for the partners of porn addicts.