Surfing the urge to consume porn again on day 43

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I’m a porn addict, been trying to quit it for the last couple of years, the current stretch is 43 days of Sobriety, no porn, no masturbation, it was quite challenging, but starting from day 20 it got easier, i kinda forgot about it and i don’t get that need to watch or something, however, this week , My IG algorithm got a bit tricky, and i came across content that’s not explicitly sexual (feet pics, nylons and lingerie models, reels and memes about footfetish , etc), but it turned on lights in my head, as that was something that i used to fap on at some point, (sorry not sorry :skull:)

So far, I’m holding it, i reset ig content suggestions, and even deleted ig, but it feels like the seeds are planted back in my head, i just keep having imaginations, and I’m almost aroused most of the day, (like my body is screaming to release), but i know that if i give in, I’ll spiral down the loop for a long while until i can quit again,
I’m sharing this to kinda expose myself, and also ask those who’ve been in similar position during the recovery journey of any addiction, how do you resist the craving when it’s overwhelmingly stronger than your will ?

Thanks,

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I have a similar kind of compulsion when it comes to PMO. I’m on the longest stretch I have ever been, ever. What’s helping me is the following:

I’m limiting what I watch. If it has nudity, sensuality, or any sex, I don’t watch it. So far, it’s been a lot of documentaries and Disney movies. :laughing:

If I happen to view something that I know will pique my addiction, I immediately leave the situation. Literally. When it happens on television, that’s enough television for the day and I get up and do something physical: clean the house, take a walk, listen to a podcast. Something, anything that will distract me. If it’s a conversation or even an accidental touch, same rules apply. ACE. Avoid. Cope. Escape.

Another thing that I do is keep a bedtime routine that doesn’t involve my phone. A lot of self-talk, too.

One thing that’s been the most helpful, especially with the insidious thoughts and fantasies has been changing the narrative — sometimes out loud.

I’ll say, what I want more is connection and to feel accepted. Or what I need in this moment is to feel powerful and important. So on and so forth…

Naming what’s behind the addiction has been painful and taken a lot of practice. There’s no real magic formula. Therapy, medication, positive connection, healing, prayer, and DBT have all played pivotal roles in helping me abstain from something I felt forever enslaved to.

I hope you find your rhythm, those things that work for you.

The most important:

One day at a time!

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Congrats on your day count! When cravings hit, a distraction is often needed. You need to get re-grounded in yourself and in the present time. Try an activity that is physical or otherwise demanding in a positive way. Something that requires your full attention and is somehow tactile.

You didn’t mention if you’re doing a programme, attending a group or talking to someone about your issues. If you are, that’s excellent! Recovery from any addiction is a battle in 2 fronts. On one hand, you need strategies on how to manage symptoms, like cravings and acting out. On the other hand, you need to understand the reasons why you became addicted. It’s often a coping mechanism that we developed when we needed to survive or needed to fill a void. You need to be active on both fronts. Otherwise you could end up white knuckling and that won’t take you far. All the best to you.

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