As with any addiction, the first step towards recovery is an admission that you have a problem. It’s always difficult, and may even be embarrassing or even shaming to acknowledge, but if you find that a compulsive need to access internet pornography and is interfering with your life, then it may be time to seek help. With the right counseling, these self-destructive habits can be replaced by more positive behavior patterns, and fortunately, this advice is now widely available. But there are also practical things you can do to help yourself.
Use Content Control Software
One of the first things to consider is using web protection software. Parents often use these types of parental controls to protect their kids from exposure to particular websites. There are many options to choose from and even free options. It would be recommended to have someone else set up a site blocker for you so you don’t know the password to override the software. It requires a certain amount of initial will power to install these systems, and then to maintain them on all your electronic devices, but the commitment to doing so is an important declaration of intent and a sign of determination to change.
Pay Attention to Your Environment and Adopt Healthy Habits
Like other addictions, the habitual and addictive use of pornography may be largely situational; so that the impulses driving it are primarily a response to external factors in an individual’s life which are causing unhappiness. It might be marriage or relationship problems, poor physical health, financial problems, employment problems, social isolation or just plain boredom. Whatever the cause of the pornography addiction, it’s essential to address the underlying cause if a lasting solution is to be achieved. This may require medical help, or professional counseling, but also needs the individual to take some responsibility for their recovery.
If social isolation and consequent boredom are the principal problems, this might involve joining a local group or club focused on other activities which you have enjoyed in the past to take up your time.
Regular exercise, particularly outdoors, can also have a powerful affect in improving your mood and will remove you from the temptations of your screen. It need not involve an expensive gym membership, it may be as simple as just be going for a walk or run.
There are many online resources addressing the issue of addiction to pornography which may be helpful, and meeting groups such as Sex Addicts Anonymous, but for counseling to be effective it remains overwhelmingly important that you should commit fully to the process.
Consistent Desire for Change
Making the decision to change is essential, but maintaining the motivation to progress is equally important, and perhaps even more difficult. One powerful way to build this motivation is to reflect with gratitude on the good things in your daily life. Almost everyone, however difficult their current circumstances may seem, has some reason to be thankful and joyful.
Whether you want better health, to be more productive and financially successful at work, or to rebuild damaged close relationships; frequent reminders of your principal motivators can be very helpful.
Get Access to Experienced Professional Advice
If you have tried to quit watching pornography and have been unsuccessful, specialized treatment and counseling may be needed. If you desire specialized pornography addiction treatment in Utah, Pathways Real Life Recovery can help. We offer porn addiction treatment in an accepting, non-shaming environment, and treat co-occurring disorders simultaneously. We offer custom treatment depending on your unique needs. Contact us for a free consultation
