Porn Addiction: Is There Hope for Recovery?
Last Updated on October 8, 2022
If you read any article about porn addiction or sex addiction, odds are that it’ll tell you that these conditions are extremely difficult to recover from.
Addiction is a disease, they say, and it’s one that can take years to recover from. The general consensus is that if you have developed a problem with porn or sex, then it will likely be something you struggle with for the rest of your life. We all know that everything in life comes with pros and cons; even recovery from addiction has its challenges.
Most people who recover from addiction — whether it be to alcohol, drugs, gambling, video games, or anything else — find it challenging because their minds are pre-programmed to believe that they will always have the same struggles as before.
Because of this belief system, recovering becomes doubly hard as the individual not only needs to change their behavior but also change how they think about themselves and the world around them.
However, this does not mean there isn’t hope for recovery! It simply requires some work on your part and a willingness to see things differently than before.
Here are some helpful tips on how you can begin moving in the right direction and become hopeful again when it comes to your struggles with porn or sex addiction.
The Reason Why You Are Hopeless
As you continue to rationalize your behavior, give in to your cheap temptations, and resist making any changes, you further diminish your chances of ever recovering.
When you allow yourself to feel guilt, pain, and misery, your mind will eventually convince itself to accept fate and refuse to move ever again in your life. You’re feeling hopeless because of this.
In any case, if you’re like the majority of people I’ve heard from, you’ve tried to overcome your porn addiction numerous times but have failed each time, then you’re probably not developing effective strategies. Though I have talked about this topic several times which you can read after the end of this article, let me tell you that there is hope if you’ll try these simple tips to save yourself from any sexual addiction you have.
There Is Hope For Porn Addiction Recovery And Here’s How
Remember that There Is No Shame in Asking for Help
If you truly want to recover from an addiction, you have to remember that there is no shame in asking for help. There is no shame in going to see a therapist, joining a support group, or talking to your friends or family about what you’re experiencing. If you’re trying to recover from an addiction, you will likely find that the hardest part is fighting the shame and guilt that often comes with admitting that you have a problem.
Talk to your friends if you’re shy enough to go for therapy or talk to your family. Porn addiction is worst than a drug addiction but yes, there is the hope of recovery but only when you’re willing to ask for a helping hand who can support you throughout your journey.
Set Small, Achievable Goals
Taking small steps in the process of breaking your addiction is very crucial. When I wrote my first article on the subject: 5 Ways To Rewire Your Brain From Porn, I wrote about challenging yourself which is very important.
However, I know that it sometimes becomes really hard and most of the time you give into that desire. So, why not start by setting small yet achievable goals? Start by practicing NoFap, celibacy, or whatever you call it for a week.
See how it goes and then from one week take it to two from two weeks take that to a month and so on. This will help you in setting achievable goals to stop your addiction and will also hit your ego if you’ll not able to accomplish them. I guess that’s a win-win in whatever outcome you will get at the end of the day.
Change the Way You Think About Recovery and Change Your Behaviors at The Same Time
It is important to remember that you don’t have to recover from your addiction perfectly. You don’t have to be 100% porn-free or 0% porn-free at the same time. Instead, try taking a relaxed approach to recovery and focus on changing your behaviors at the same time as changing the way you think.
For example, if you want to cut down on the amount of porn you watch, focus on watching less porn rather than completely quitting porn.
That way, you can give yourself room to make mistakes and learn from your experiences, while also putting yourself in a position to succeed.
You can also change the way you think about recovery by setting realistic expectations, creating a support network, and surrounding yourself with positive people and thoughts.
Commit to Weekly Check-Ins with A Therapist or Support Group
If you’re feeling stuck in your recovery, or if you think it would be helpful to have someone to talk to about your struggles, consider scheduling weekly check-ins with a therapist or joining a support group.
Most people who struggle with addiction also struggle with shame and guilt around their addiction. Having a therapist or support group where you can discuss your struggles in a safe and judgment-free environment can be incredibly helpful in moving past these emotions and feeling empowered to overcome your addiction.
Final Words
It is important to remember that nobody is perfect, and relapse is part of the process of recovery.
It is important to accept that you might slip up along the way and understand that those slips are not a reflection of who you are but rather a reflection of where you are at in the process of recovery.
So, remember that there is hope in you being free from porn addiction as all you need to do is stick to it.
Remember that it takes courage to seek help, to make small, manageable goals, to examine the root causes of your porn or sex addiction, to alter your perspective on recovery, and to commit to weekly check-ins with a therapist or support group. Every person who is serious about beating an addiction should consider all of these points and never lose hope.
Wish you all the luck!
