Hello everyone, I'm a 40 years old italian man, who has struggled for the last 20 years with porn addiction, prostitutes, and also alcohol. This has caused me financial troubles, depression and faulty relationships, not to mention porn induced problems like ED. I've a girlfriend, she knows what I'm up to and has been supportive, but I've caused her a lot of pain. I made uncountable attempts at quitting, always failing. I've understood that I cannot win the fight alone, and that I need support. This is a long story short, but it's very difficult for me to write about this. Any suggestion would be really appreciated. Thanks a lot. P.s: sorry for my bad English.
Hello Andrea and welcome to the community! Glad you joined us. Thing that have helped me is browsing forums around here, reading others stories and struggles. It helped me put my mind off PMO. But you also need dedication, true willingness to stop that, without that you will fail. So write down reasons why you want to stop and anytime you get the urges read it out loud. Set up a counter, and make goals. Try to reduce the usage of PMO at first, if you are serious addict you have to take it step by step. P.S.: Your English is great GL
Thanks a lot for your reply. Yes, true willingness is the key. Usually my motivation skyrockets in the first 2/3 days, then a trigger comes up and I'm back into the cycle. I'll write my reasons down, that's a great advice. Thank you!
Yes, she really is. There are days in which the thought of all the pain that I've put her through it's almost unbearable.
Day 1 completed. Day 2 seems (as I expected) more difficult, a lot of flashbacks, being triggered by stupid advertising while reading the news...but I'm holding on. Tomorrow I'll fly to London for a brief vacation with my girlfriend, and I hope that it'll be valuable time that I can spend to focus on simple, natural and real things.
Welcome Andrea, really glad you found your way here. There's a lot of wisdom, knowledge, and support to be found in this community.
Sorry to hear, but your heart is beating and you are breathing, so just have another go! STRONGER with each round...
Read the information on NoFap. Do lots of walking and exercising. Read how the others are doing it and get tips. Reduce alcohol, it decreses your will power for several days.
You can do it, Andrea! For me, it helps to try to stay away from screens as much as I can and instead fill my time with analogue hobbies or exercise. I have a lock at home, and I lock the phone there after work . I don't have a strong dependence on the phone, and I'm not on social media, so it's easier. No matter if you have to reset, the important is that you persist and try again with a positive mindset despite the mood fluctuations.
