Anyone Trying to Overcome Porn Addiction?

To anyone right here, battling lust , could you give me an advice on order to move on from it , I’ve been doing things myself, but it’s not enough , whats the best thing that has worked for you , I would like to know on order to apply it myself
Very Curious 👀

I would like to know myself ..#struggling

I’m 55 year old gay man who has found himself addicted to straight online porn since the internet’s inception. I know go figure. Anyway I’ve tried a variety of different recovery things including 12 step groups, therapy and putting porn blockers in my phone with only sporadic periods of sobriety. I’m wondering if anyone here has any thoughts tips or suggestions or just wants to share their own story. Thanks. John

@radiantjw, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You have tried some great options including support groups, therapy, and physical deterrents on your phone to aid in some sobriety from porn. Any period of abstinence is abstinence, no matter the amount of time. During those periods of abstinence, your brain is allowed to practice alternative pathways which need to be strengthened instead of the addiction. Never minimize the work that is done during any period of abstinence.

I have moved your question to an existing discussion:
-Anyone Trying to Overcome Porn Addiction? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-trying-to-overcome-porn-addiction/

I did this so you can connect with fellow members like @nicolasrojas05, @mgrubbs221, @jeffroatenberry, who can share how they are doing with similar abstinence approaches.

@radiantjw, when and how long did you try support groups, therapy, and blocking sites on your phone?

@kelseyt
Thank you so much for the welcome!
Do you have any advice as to how to best use this platform. Just look for people struggling with similar issues?

It’s definitely tough when you’re trying to quit something that feels like it’s become a habit, honestly. For me, it helped to just keep busy with stuff I actually enjoyed, hiking or playing games, anything that’s fun but not triggering. I’ve also tried to not beat myself up too much when I slipped; it doesn’t really help in the long run.

Brain wise, it is a dopamine hit. Some of us have the need for more dopamine due to any number of things. Mine showed up through alcohol, drugs, thrill seeking, anything to try and make myself feel better. I know that there is a brain piece involved, however I also believe that there is a piece that is part of who I am. I tried to fill some kind of hole in me with all these other things. Looking out instead of in. 12 step groups have helped me so much. There are other ways and 12 step groups are not the only way. I suggest therapy. Sometimes there is trauma (not like going to war PTSD) but emotional abuse, neglect, possibly sexual abuse, that happened or something in childhood that has not been thought of or looked at and lingers into adulthood. I know therapy helps me. I did not even realize the chaos of growing up because it was all I knew. I remember seeing a psychologist, when I was in my 30's. My 3rd attempt at sobriety. When I was telling her about my life, I remember she looked at me and commented on how I just "matter of fact," told her things. She asked me if I realized the trauma that I experienced? I did not really understand at that time, but I know now, that my childhood was anything but normal. It was total chaos. When that happens, people seek out chaos unconsciously. It is what I knew. Anyway, hang in there, and yes, I am going to say it...one day at a time...one hour, minute, second at a time.

It’s definitely tough when you’re trying to quit something that feels like it’s become a habit, honestly. For me, it helped to just keep busy with stuff I actually enjoyed, hiking or playing games, anything that’s fun but not triggering. I’ve also tried to not beat myself up too much when I slipped; it doesn’t really help in the long run.

Sometimes I’d switch up the entertainment I was consuming and look for more positive, less addictive options, and it did help. If exploring adult games is something you like but want a healthier approach, you can always check out https://greatideagames.com/ for alternatives that offer a different interactive experience.