I’m currently working towards an hour of no PMO. So much of my life revolves around porn (watch it when I wake up, watch when I get home from work, some times I’m horny enough at work some times at work, PMO to videos on social media platforms. You name it. It’s never occurred to me how much actual time I waste on PMO-related things. That said—this new endeavor for me sounds completely crazy. I’m trying it cold turkey and tomorrow morning will be my first “test” so to speak. I’m nervous. I’m already expecting to fail. There have been other times previously to this where I have tried to quit but end up going back. It’s always something. Again, it’s like a whole part of my life.
So, to save the long version of this story I’ll just say any tips and/or support ideas (not freaky too keen on the whole in-person groups. I’m really hoping that this platform will help. I’ve quit alcohol and have 65 days sober in that and now I think I’m ready to try and get a handle on PMO. I know I’m just stripping away all my defense mechanisms or coping mechanisms and that’s the plan but I know it won’t be easy. But it’s what is best. Thank you for any guidance.
Welcome to the site there is lots of support here for you. Talking about it, and saying that you want to make a change is a good first step. You can search PMO in the search bar and you can find some other threads where others are talking about similar.
Hi and welcome here
This app has helped me loads to deal with my alcohol addiction. There is so much information to find here about all sorts of addiction as well as PMO. You can use the search bar above to find all the older and new threads about PMO. I also share a thread with you with a lot of books, podcasts, meetings, etc in it. Maybe interesting too Resources for our recovery
Take your time to find your way here, the forum can be a bit of a jungle in the beginning because it so big thes days
If you need any help just ask for it, there is always someone around to talk to.
See you around and congratulations with your day 1 and 65 days for the alcohol
Hello and welcome to the forum! A fellow PMO addict here. Congrats on your decision to pursue sobriety on many fronts. Life is better (not easier but better) with a clear head and consciousness.
I do recommend some kind of professional help or a recovery programme. White knuckling sets an addict up for a disappointment in recovery. Addiction is often only a symptom of deeper issues that we’re running away from or trying to numb. I was in therapy to address my issue with PMO and came to this forum daily in the beginning. I’m currently experiencing 3,5 years of freedom. It’s possible! Like with any addiction, there’s a lot of shame and guilt (even disguised as pride) in PMO that keeps addicts from seeking help. So please reach out and connect with your trusted people and be honest to yourself. All the best to you on your journey.
It’s morning time here. One of my biggest times for using. Posting here for accountability and support. Currently have 7 hours no PMO. The urge is strong. Jesus. So strong. Sorry that’s weird but just to share as real as I can here for documentation purposes. Thank you so much for the support so far.
Keep going. Every minute is a victory. Could do something physical to sort of reboot your thinking, like going the gym, swimming, running etc? You could also try guided meditation from YouTube, that might help you break out of the urge and help you settle down (unless YT is place where you go to act out, then stay away). When you’re giving up something that you’ve put much time and effort in (PMO) you need to replace it with something healthy.
Thank you for this suggestion. I’ve learned that if I plan to be successful in the morning I need to make sure that when I get up and I need to stay out of bed. Staying in bed just allows for waaay too much temptation.
So this is waaaay harder than not drinking. As I knew. I almost feel like I would have to get rid of all electronics. How has anybody else tackled this addiction?
I’m going to second this. My porn use is a symptom. And until I expose and address the root problems beneath the symptoms, they’ll continue to act subconsciously against me to undermine and sabotage my conscious efforts to stop.
One such problem of mine was lack of connection. I define connection as men in my life supporting my own personal and spiritual growth. I’m not a people person. But I still need people. So I have lots of male friends who support me on this journey.
The lack of connection is a bigger problem than the porn use. Forums are better than no connection at all. This forum is pretty good, but you’ll do better to refine this problem by seeking out additional support. You’ll be glad you did.
Another root problem for me was the brainwashing. It’s this belief that porn had value and that by quitting, I was making a sacrifice. So if you haven’t read Easy Peasy, I would highly recommend.
and 65 days for the alcohol 
