Website Blockers
What It Is
Software or settings that block access to pornography or other triggering sites, used to add a barrier before use.
Website blockers are software or settings that prevent access to certain sites. Community members often describe them as adding a barrier between an urge and the act of using, giving a moment of delay in which the urge can pass.
This is a community-reported strategy, and direct research on blockers for problematic pornography use is limited and mixed. Members commonly note that blockers work best as one part of a broader approach, since they can be bypassed and do not address the urge itself.
How People Use It
- Installing blocking software on devices and browsers
- Using DNS filtering or router-level blocks
- Setting up blocks that require extra steps to undo
- Combining blockers with an accountability setup
Evidence
Reported widely in recovery communities; direct research on blockers for PPU is limited and mixed.
Limitations
Blocks can be bypassed or turned off; they add friction rather than removing the urge itself. Some users report that blockers alone were not enough.
Strategy Type
Community-reported strategy (widely reported in recovery communities; direct research limited).
Evidence strength: uncertain
Related Triggers
This platform provides educational information, not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.