By Danielle Adams, Lifestar Therapy
Pornography addiction, or compulsive porn use, is a serious problem that has risen over the past decade. Like any other addiction, pornography and sexual addiction leave everyone struggling with the devastating effects associated with the disease. For those struggling with addiction, quitting porn is a healing process that will take time and commitment.
If you’re struggling with pornography addiction or know someone who is, there are steps you can take to break the addiction. However, in order to quit porn, once and for all, you need to first come out of hiding, admit to yourself that you have a problem, and hold yourself accountable. Only then will you be able to finally heal and take back your life.
To begin your path to recovery, here are 3 important steps to take today:
- Support Group.
This is probably the hardest part of the healing process, admitting you have a problem and seeking help. Many addicts, and those affected by addiction, struggle with telling other people about the situation. However, a large part that keeps people in the unending spiral of addiction is shame and guilt.
Instead of allowing the shame of your addiction to control you, now is the time to acknowledge the problem and find someone you trust so you can talk openly about your addiction. This can be with a therapist, spiritual leader, a trusted friend, or support group. The key is to find a place or person you’re comfortable with where you can talk about what you’re going through and find someone you can hold yourself accountable to while you go down the path towards recovery.
- Plan of Action.
Once you’ve acknowledged to yourself and to others that you have an addiction to pornography, or that you struggle with compulsive use, create a plan of action to further support you in your healing. This doesn’t have to be anything huge, but should help you to remember why you’re doing this and what you want from freeing yourself from pornography.
Use your plan of action to assist you in your recovery by helping you develop new, healthier habits. By establishing tools, such as positive affirmations, writing in a journal, volunteering or doing some kind of community service, taking on a hobby, or attending meetings with your support group, the better your chances are of recovery.
Another excellent thing to do when starting your recovery is to write yourself a letter to remind yourself why you’re doing this—why you want to break your porn compulsion. This will be especially useful during those moments you aren’t sure you can quit porn or are swayed to go back to your old habits. Keep this letter close so during those times of temptation you can find the reason you’re ready to move forward in your healing.
- Self Forgiveness.
As you move forward in your recovery, you’re going to have good and bad days. That’s just a part of life. One part of healing is to be kind to yourself and remember old habits are not broken easily. Each day you’ll have to commit to your recovery and why you’re working to break your porn addiction. Remember, if you do slip up, that’s okay—you’re human. Use this time to recommit to your recovery and reach out to someone immediately. Call your therapist, your support group, trusted friend, or spiritual leader and use this time to see what triggered you to slip up. As you understand your triggers and why you turn to pornography, you can use this knowledge to develop healthier reactions to triggers and build healthier habits.
While you move through the healing process, remember: you’re not alone.
There are people out there who understand what you’re struggling with and are there to support you in your recovery.
Want some more insights for breaking pornography? Download Lifestar
Therapy’s free eBook, The First Step: Taking the First Step Towards Recovery for more tips and insights to aid you in your recovery.
About the Author: Danielle Adams is a freelance writer who works with Lifestar Therapy. She is committed to helping people practice open communication and build healthy relationships.
