Breaking Free From Porn Requires a Plan

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I’ve seen multiple posts on this forum about pornography addiction. Most responders encourage prayer - which is ALWAYS appropriate. Unfortunately, prayer can only get you so far when it comes to temptations of the flesh and the ever-present internet access provided by today’s technology.

In order to win and break free, you MUST have a plan: invoke the Trinity.

The Father created the beautiful things of this world. Create a beautiful soul within yourself through frequent Confession. Stay in a state of grace - do not despair or put it off!

The Son saved us. We must partake of his saving graces via frequent Communion. This requires that we also be in a state of grace. Do not blaspheme the Sacrament by not going to Confession first!

The Holy Ghost prays for and inspires us. Find inspiration against porn addiction through accountability. Only by being accountable to someone can you really make progress in the temporal realm. By having something to lose, you gain a great amount of motivation.

Soldier on! Don’t give up the fight!
 
Filius said:
I’ve seen multiple posts on this forum about pornography addiction. Most responders encourage prayer - which is ALWAYS appropriate. Unfortunately, prayer can only get you so far when it comes to temptations of the flesh and the ever-present internet access provided by today’s technology.

In order to win and break free, you MUST have a plan: invoke the Trinity.

The Father created the beautiful things of this world. Create a beautiful soul within yourself through frequent Confession. Stay in a state of grace - do not despair or put it off!

The Son saved us. We must partake of his saving graces via frequent Communion. This requires that we also be in a state of grace. Do not blaspheme the Sacrament by not going to Confession first!

The Holy Ghost prays for and inspires us. Find inspiration against porn addiction through accountability. Only by being accountable to someone can you really make progress in the temporal realm. By having something to lose, you gain a great amount of motivation.

Soldier on! Don’t give up the fight!
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In my experience, what you say is true…
We know and experience the realities you talk about through other people. Christ himself was a person, he want us to rely on and support others.

Breaking an addiction like pornography will usually require the support of other people. Knowledge of the faith, practice of the sacraments, and a good prayer life are essential. But since the sin of pornography thrives on individual pride, isolation, and shame, talking to others and having mutual support with others is key. When I was battling daily I had a Christian brother I called. I also became involved in parish ministry, even though I was dealing with some heavy duty shame. Stepping out to serve others will shine the light of day on your struggle and put it in proper perspective.

This isolation is the one item that keeps many people enslaved, because having a discussion about this with another person is humiliating. It strips away our pride, and that is a good thing.
 
Clem - I can’t agree with you more!

The key with pornography is people MUST discuss the issue. Catholics are very good at shame and guilt.

It is by humbling yourself that you can find a breakthrough.
 
This is something I’ve been struggling with too. I’ve been doing better for a few months now, and my top two tips are
  1. Regular Mass. As often as you can. If you can, go to Mass in the week, vigil Mass on Saturday, maybe a couple of times on Sunday, as much as your schedule allows. Get their early if possible and say a Rosary.
  2. Go to confession when you need to, even every week if you have to. Say a penitential prayer in the meantime. The BCP confession prayer expresses contrition very well I think (below) but whatever works for you.
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men: We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, Which we from time to time most grievously have committed, By thought, word, and deed, Against thy Divine Majesty, Provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, And are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; The remembrance of them is grievous unto us; The burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; For thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, Forgive us all that is past; And grant that we may ever hereafter Serve and please thee In newness of life, To the honour and glory of thy Name; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Filius said:
Yes!
  1. Accountability
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Accountability (From a trusted friend) is probably one of the most overlooked things when trying to beat any addiction. You do need all 3, but often times people neglect finding someone to talk to since addiction is a pretty embarrassing topic.

You need to have someone you can call up on a minute’s notice and talk with them, and not have them judge you. Sometimes, that is hard to find because lets face it, you don’t want the whole world to know about your embarrassing problems, and finding someone who won’t tell everyone they know can be a difficult thing.

Just talking to someone can help you reframe why you feel the need to indulge in your addiction at a specific time. An accountability partner can see patterns you don’t, and can help you break those patterns that slip you into your state of addiction.
 
All very good suggestions! I would add one more. Cultivate hobbies. I’ve read that porn becomes very tempting as a means of dealing with boredom or stress. My recommendation to anyone dealing with a porn addiction, in addition to the ones already on this thread, is find an activity that you like (bowling, board games, pickup basketball, etc.) and do it whenever you can. “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop” is how I believe the saying goes. Don’t give up.
 
You are correct - definitely need to fill your time, whether it be playing with your kids or doing something outdoors, etc.
 
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