The best Christmas markets in Ireland and abroad
The best Christmas markets in Ireland and abroad

Megan Virgo

This 19th-century terrace house in Ennistymon was transformed for just €25,000
This 19th-century terrace house in Ennistymon was transformed for just €25,000

Lauren Heskin

Supper Club: Lucy Watson’s vegan pad Thai
Supper Club: Lucy Watson’s vegan pad Thai

Meg Walker

This dreamy Kildare period home is on the market for €1.35 million
This dreamy Kildare period home is on the market for €1.35 million

Megan Burns

James McGill: ‘I know now I have the strength and determination to overcome the most challenging of times’
James McGill: ‘I know now I have the strength and determination to overcome the most...

Lawson Mpame And Itchey Drew

Christmas jumpers you’ll want to wear year-round, not just for one night
Christmas jumpers you’ll want to wear year-round, not just for one night

Sarah Finnan

WIN a selection of Malfy Gin and two gin glasses
WIN a selection of Malfy Gin and two gin glasses

Megan Burns

This cosy Enniskerry home with incredible mountain views is on the market for €1.1 million
This cosy Enniskerry home with incredible mountain views is on the market for €1.1 million

Sarah Finnan

Inside this urban London home, where all the rooms open onto a quiet courtyard
Inside this urban London home, where all the rooms open onto a quiet courtyard

IMAGE

November 29: Today’s top stories in 60 seconds
November 29: Today’s top stories in 60 seconds

Sarah Finnan

Image / Self / Health & Wellness / Real-life Stories / Relationships
premium
SELF

Porn addiction: ‘It was like having another relationship. It was affecting me physically and I was sneaking around’


Audio
by Michelle Heffernan
18th Feb 2021

Read time: 6 mins

Ireland is now the sixth largest consumer of pornography in the world, and while pornography can have benefits, its prevalence may lead to unhealthy behaviours and relationships. One man tells Michelle Heffernan, how pornography took over his life and seriously affected his physical and mental health.

“I moved out of my parents house and I just started doing it more often,” says Sam*, 28 and from the South East. “Literally any time I was bored; when you’re living on your own, you just look at yourself and say, ‘Well, now is as good a time as any!’” Sam was 17 when he left home, and found masturbation became a comfort while living alone.“Basically once you first discover yourself – if I...

You have reached a premium article.

For unlimited digital access to the stories worth paying for, subscribe now to IMAGE from just €4.99 a month
Subscribe