30 Days Doesn't Mean Freedom

Hi there.

It depends. If I'm at the computer & I experience a trigger, I leave the computer like it's on fire & go do something else.

The main thing is to change something significant at that point.

Go for a shower.
Go for a walk.
Go meet someone for coffee.
Go watch a movie.
Go do 100 push ups.
Go do something you like doing.

Don't stay where you are. Orient your body & mind toward something else.

Thoughts, urges & triggers for PMO do eventually pass.

What is your plan for breaking your PMO addiction for good?

T22.

 

Hey @Lumberjack-off-Man,

I agree with @traveller22 to find something in the moment. I also think that you need to start your day differently.

When I see the "I don't know what happened" type problems that indicates to me that you might be living from a place of reaction instead of preparation. I know that finals can be stressful and you are just trying to get through. Going forward from here, make a plan for your day. Be aware of possible triggers before they happen. You can't get mugged if you know where the robber is hiding.

Welcome to the fight!

 

Hello, LJOM --

I agree...change what you're doing. If you're in bed and trying to fall asleep, put on some music, read, maybe just get out of bed and get a drink of water. Something that's working more and more for me is to "practice gratefulness" while I lie in bed. Try thinking of 10 things that are going well for you - the simpler the better. If you have a job to go to, enough to eat, had a good conversation during the day, got a hug from someone, ate good food, etc. I have gotten so that I fall asleep doing this.

A thought exercise that might help: think of a time before your porn addiction began. What kinds of things did you do? What made you happiest? Who did you spend time with? If at all possible, go back to doing those things and appreciate whatever joy you can still find in doing them.

Computer behavior: Don't have a computer or a TV screen in your bedroom, if at all possible. Try do use your computer around others, after work, in a public library or coffee shop, etc.

These may seem like cheesy suggestions, but they help.

JeffG

 

30 days, 60 days, 90 days are just numbers. Don't get too attached to them since the amount of days it can take to feel recovered would vary for all. It could even take 6 months. So don't take your recovery for granted.

The first thing that I would do when a trigger enters the mind is to be mindful of it. Be aware and mindful as much as you can. If you let yourself loose, triggers and urges will get stronger. Fighting would also make it worse. Instead just watch it. You could also remind yourself of the pain it has caused you in the past. Think about all the wasted times and missed opportunities because of this addiction.

There are plenty of things you could do like others have mentioned here. Good luck!