vicious_cycle_of_addiction
Fapstronaut
I am struggling with porn for years, but since this last year I've become more conscious about the "quitting->relapse->exhaustion->quitting..." cycle, and I would like to share my observation about it.
1. The first week of quitting is the hardest and most miserable part
2. after 2nd week I become more productive and my mind gradually become clear
3. Each of my longest-duration quitting phase lasted around 1 month and 20 days
3rd observation is critical one because it makes me realize that there is another dangerous and subtle period of quitting phase: Near the 6th week of abstinence, urges kick in again, and make me vulnerable to relapse. So I must be really careful and systematic in that period to successfully take control of my mind again.
The desire to quit p*rn is gradually decreasing over a month for me, to the point where I can act on my urges over a slightest discomfort or stress.
I think that the clarity of mind between 2-6 weeks of abstinence is somewhat of an illusion, I shouldn't have believed it and count it as a big success.
I have also a few observation I would like to mention about relapse and exhaustion cycle, but before let me clarify what I mean by exhaustion. Exhaustion is simply consuming porn compulsively and gradually to the point where one cannot function properly.
4. Relapsing after a long abstinence period is sure demotivating but it doesn't mean that it is a complete setback
5. After this first relapse, however, mind craves for p*rn, and this is very dangerous especially when considering you no longer have the initial level of motivation to quit porn
6. For me, I always fall to this rabbit hole and drive myself to exhaustion phase, which takes a month or two, after which I become completely numb.
Key Takeaways: Pass these checkpoints (1st week and 6th week)
if relapse once than be very systematic in your behaviors for at least a week. To be systematic, for example, you might consider creating a whatsapp group with only yourself and write there the instructions to proceed, but use it mindfully and try not to disobey your instructions to yourself.
1. The first week of quitting is the hardest and most miserable part
2. after 2nd week I become more productive and my mind gradually become clear
3. Each of my longest-duration quitting phase lasted around 1 month and 20 days
3rd observation is critical one because it makes me realize that there is another dangerous and subtle period of quitting phase: Near the 6th week of abstinence, urges kick in again, and make me vulnerable to relapse. So I must be really careful and systematic in that period to successfully take control of my mind again.
The desire to quit p*rn is gradually decreasing over a month for me, to the point where I can act on my urges over a slightest discomfort or stress.
I think that the clarity of mind between 2-6 weeks of abstinence is somewhat of an illusion, I shouldn't have believed it and count it as a big success.
I have also a few observation I would like to mention about relapse and exhaustion cycle, but before let me clarify what I mean by exhaustion. Exhaustion is simply consuming porn compulsively and gradually to the point where one cannot function properly.
4. Relapsing after a long abstinence period is sure demotivating but it doesn't mean that it is a complete setback
5. After this first relapse, however, mind craves for p*rn, and this is very dangerous especially when considering you no longer have the initial level of motivation to quit porn
6. For me, I always fall to this rabbit hole and drive myself to exhaustion phase, which takes a month or two, after which I become completely numb.
Key Takeaways: Pass these checkpoints (1st week and 6th week)
if relapse once than be very systematic in your behaviors for at least a week. To be systematic, for example, you might consider creating a whatsapp group with only yourself and write there the instructions to proceed, but use it mindfully and try not to disobey your instructions to yourself.