Pornography Addiction: Keeps Pulling Me Back In
Hello everyone, my name is Zach. I've been struggling with pornography for well over 5 years now. I'm stuck in a similar loop and I'm finding it hard to break free from this. I know this is a problem, and there's not a day I don't get upset with myself when I relapse. Sometimes I'll go days or even weeks, managing to avoid porn, but somehow I get pulled back in. I've tried cutting off access by deleting or blocking pages on my phone or computer and I do my best to stay clear of negative influences that pull me back in. There are influences all around and it it's not always easy to turn off each and every one. Despite this, I find myself failing. It's a terrible feeling because porn will never truly be enough. I just wish I could get over this and stick to the path I know I need to follow. Thank you first and foremost for allowing me to come out about this. Any help and guidance is always appreciated. 😪
@Zach9339
Hey Zach, thank you for opening up this topic. There has been studies about internet porn being a gateway to more serious sexual compulsive behaviors. Allowing yourself to progress to something more taboo might be the last thing you want. Some struggle just stopping pornography for long time but some also fall into different areas in addiction. Many start reaching out to prostitutes, paying for web cam sex, utilizing hook up apps and engaging in casual sex. All this behaviors can often lend you in a legal battles and puts your physical health at risk. More often embrassment and disappointment from your friends and family is expected upon discovery.
I do know that pornograpy and sexually compulsive behaviors are treated some what similar. Possibly because lack of clinical trials OR simple because they are no different in the eyes of medicine.
You did not mention anything reaching out to counselors or going to group meetings. It is very difficult habit to break through by yourself. Being proactive about your recovery might be the key. Will power is big factor but not the only factor.
I hope this was helpful. Keep us posted!
@Zach9339
Kodus to you for opening up about your challenges. Its never easy to say: I have a problem, and I don't know how to fix it !!
The fact that you realize that you have a problem, is 85% of the solution. On how to achieve sobriety, and how to abstain from sexual compulsive behaviors, and as you mentioned with your relapse you tend to be upset with yourself. Its called self loathing, an addict is stuck in a loop that they can't find a way out of. Change first and foremost starts with you, so again, the fact that you are here, is a huge success. For achieving sobriety, I strongly recommend looking up meetings for support specifically for SAA ( Sex Addicts Anonymous ). I hope this helps. Remember , if you keep trying the same method of quitting something and it doesn't work out, you have to try something else as a solution.
