Throwing away pornography

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Congratulations on throwing it away, for taking the first step…

throw it out, garbage, anywhere, get rid of it,

I also recommend weekly confession. It sure helped me kick it our my life, and I still love to go every week for the graces.

its a struggle, its going to be a fight, but trust me, when the clouds will clear, the Sword in your hand lowered, the demons flee and you will face Eternal Bliss, and Our LORDsaying to you “WELCOME HOME” and embracing you, it will truly be worth it. Never give up, keep swinging that sword until your dying breath

Here are your swords against the Wiles of Satan
  1. EUCHARIST-(CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH, weekly at the least, daily if possible, although since Im in high school, this one is a no go for me, so I have to recieve HIM WEEKLY
  2. Weekly Confession-Again, cannot stress this enough
  3. Rosary- Call out to our MOTHER MARY, the Perfect example of Purity to throw her mantle over you and protect you, daily at least once
  4. EUCHARISITC ADORATION-At least once a month, weekly or daily if possbile, the Graces from this are UNBELIEVABLE!!
  5. Foster a Devotion to the SACRED HEART, because that HEART has loved you from time began, and was willing to allow ITSELF to be Pierced and passed through by a Spear, so that the fountains of life, the BLOOD AND WATER WHICH FLOWED FROM THE HEART OF JESUS, may be drenched over us, saving us from our sins
  6. Foster a Devotion to St. Joseph and St. Maria Goretti, two HUGE models of Purity and Chastity.
7.Read your BIBLE!! Feed your soul with the PRECIOUS WORDS OF OUR LORD, allowing your soul to be nourished, as every WORD OUT OF THE MOUTH OF OUR LORD is LACED with things substantially more precious than GOLD.

Hope this helps, and congratualtions once again!! :D:thumbsup:👍
 
Hello Mostolto,
Having struggled with pornography badly in the past, I realized many things that would reel me into the temptation. Personally for me, prayer, a trust and love for the lord helped me get out of it. But I did realize whenever I would go onto the computer or I would be really lonely or bored, that was when the thought would just pop up and the temptation would set in. Realizing that with the help of my faith, I just made myself try and do something that would make me better or keep me busy. Instead of giving it the opportunity to get any pull on me. But remember there is a deeper reason that you keep buying, viewing, and giving into that temptation(loneliness, depression, frustration …). But only you and/or someone who can help you will be able to figure that out. But ill say a prayer for you. Hopefully I helped and did not confuse you.
 
pornographers face a dilemma, because they are working with visual stimuli, and the pornography does not allow much scope for imagination. foreplay=sex, thats about it, or maybe we could say : foreplay=sex=boredom on the silver screen. the other problem is that our entire neural system, is designed to neutralise repetitive stimuli, that is we watch a movie once, and we are stimulated, we watch it twice and it stimulates us less, watch it a third time and it stimulates us even less. our visual senses became habituated to the same stimulis, and we fell asleep in front of the dvd player…zzzzz…add silicone implants to the mix…and everyone say goodbye to your libido…
 
CHAPTER 13 – On Resisting Temptations [The Imitation of Christ]

So long as we live in this world, we cannot remain without trial and temptation: as Job says, “Man’s life on earth is a warfare.” We must therefore be on guard against temptations, and watchful in prayer, that the Devil find no means of deceiving us; for he never rests, but prowls around seeking whom he may devour. No one is so perfect and holy that he is never tempted, and we can never be secure from temptation.

Although temptations are so troublesome and grievous, yet they are often profitable to us, for by them we are humbled, cleansed, and instructed. All the Saints endured manly trials and temptations, and profited by them; but those who could not resist temptations became reprobate, and fell away. There is no Order so holy, nor place so secluded, where there are no troubles and temptations.

No man can be entirely free from temptation so long as he lives; for the source of temptation lies within our own nature, since we are born with an inclination towards evil. When one temptation or trial draws to a close, another takes its place; and we shall always have something to fight, for man has lost the blessing of original happiness. Many try to escape temptations, only to encounter them more fiercely, for no one can win victory by flight alone; it is only by patience and true humility that we can grow stronger than all our foes.

The man who only avoids the outward occasions of evil, but fails to uproot it in himself, will gain little advantage. Indeed, temptations will return upon him the sooner, and he will find himself in a worse state than before. Little by little and by patient endurance you will overcome them by God’s help, better than by your own violence and importunity. Seek regular advice in temptation, and never deal harshly with those who are tempted, but give them such encouragement as you would value yourself.

The beginning of all evil temptation is an unstable mind and lack of trust in God. Just as a ship without a helm is driven to and fro by the waves, so a careless man, who abandons his proper course, is tempted in countless ways. Fire tempers steel, and temptation the just man. We often do not know what we can bear, but temptation reveals our true nature. We need especially to be on our guard at the very onset of temptation, for then the Enemy may be more easily overcome, if he is not allowed to enter the gates of the mind: he must be repulsed at the threshold, as soon as he knocks. Thus the poet Ovid writes, “Resist at the beginning; the remedy may come too late.” For first there comes into the mind an evil thought: next, a vivid picture: then delight, and urge to evil, and finally consent. In this way the Enemy gradually gains complete mastery, when he is not resisted at first. And the longer a slothful man delays resistance, the weaker he becomes, and the stronger his enemy grows against him.

Some people undergo their heaviest temptations at the beginning of their conversion; some towards the end of their course; others are greatly troubled all their lives; while there are some whose temptations are but light. This is in accordance with the wisdom and justice of God’s ordinance, who weighs the condition and merits of every man, and disposes all things for the salvation of those whom He chooses.

We must not despair, therefore, when we are tempted, but earnestly pray God to grant us his help in every need. For, as Saint Paul says, “With the temptation, God will provide a way to overcome it, that we may be able to bear bear it.” So, let us humble ourselves under the hand of God, in every trial and trouble, for He will save and raise up the humble in Spirit. In all these trials, our progress is tested; in them great merit may be secured, and our virtue become evident. It is no great matter if we are devout and fervent when we have no troubles; but if we show patience in adversity, we can make great progress in virtue. Some are spared severe temptations, but are overcome in the lesser ones of every day, in order that they may be humble, and learn not to trust in themselves, but to recognize their frailty.
 
One more place to look would be Father Emmerich Vogt OP website. He has several 12 step pamphlets and a book that could be of great help.
 
last night, i had a peek at the porn DVD’s that i bought, a few weeks ago. it lasted about 5mins, then i switched off. it made me realise that i really dont like these movies. i cannot accept the promotion of silicone breast implants, in these movies. in my opinion, it is an insult of the female gender. i dont understand why this craze has infiltrated our societies. i honestly adore and prefer, woman with small breasts. i just have no interest in overly sized, artificial breasts. so i am refusing to continue supporting these movies, whats more, tommorow will be the day that, my faitful scissors, get to work on my DVD’s, once again.i am praying that i will be able to go through with this, but i am determined to clean my act…thank you
 
well there go’s. why waite for tommorrow… so i just destroyed 3/4 of the movies i bought, the other day (what a waiste of money), and all the x-rated videos, that i downloaded from the internet, a few days ago. not exactly a completely succesful exercise, as i still have 4 movies left. these are going to be a little more difficult to get rid of…but am determined now, no matter how long it takes…to come clean…
 
anonymous_in_fl said:
If you dont’t buy it, you don’t have to worry about throwing it away.

Simple, I know ---- but it is the same concept as an alcoholic trying to stop after taking the first drink. The problem is not “stopping”, it’s the in the “starting”.

My professional life is as a psychotherapist, and while I am not and cannot determine if you have a psychological problem or addiction, some of what you share sounds concerning.

Pray, partake of the sacraments ( confession and mass ), seek spiritual and/or professional counseling ) seek a 12 Step Fellowship like SA (sexaholics anonymous) to see if it “fits” for you.

As for the package of porn, you can always send it back unopened.
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thats so true. i have experienced a similar thing for addiction. i always thought how to stop it once i start it. but i came to know dont start at all, just have strong will power and repel the start.
 
One of the things I recommend that may be helpful is to find a more production use of your time. Reflection and prayer is certainly helpful, but you also need to find a new hobby, preferably one that doesn’t need a computer.

For example, go running or go work out at a gym. You’ll be in a public place so you won’t be tempted. And if you work yourself out until you’re exhausted, the only thing you’ll be tempted to do is take a nap. 🙂

Good luck!
 
If part of this is that you’re upset with yourself that you recently spent good money on a new porn stash, think of what you’d do if you purchased something else, only to discover when it arrived that it was damaged or otherwise no good. Refuse delivery of the package, and contact the company where you purchased it, telling them that you are sending it back and expect your money back. If they won’t take it back, when it arrives, pitch it the same as you would any other package full of garbage. Unopened. Then count the money you spent as being tuition for a lesson.

Next time you’re tempted to purchase porn, calculate the financial cost and put that amount of money in a jar instead. When the jar gets full, take it to the bank, and save up for something worthwhile, like a vacation, that you get to take by avoiding these purchases.

I’m not a porn addict, but I’m a former cigarette smoker. Within a year of quitting, I was able to save up enough for a nice little vacation. I’m not sure I even want to think of how much money I wasted over the years on cigarettes!
 
thank you for the advice. i really do appreciate it. a few years ago i made some really bad associations on the mIRC network, and they convinced me to start looking at child pornography, so i downloaded a few child porn photos, off the network. i felt so bad about what i had done (fortunately the photos did not contain any violence), i felt so guilty, that i contacted the FBI (i must have emailed over 10 departments in different states), to report what i had done. i received a reply asking whether i had arranged to meet any underaged girls, on the internet, and fortunately for me, apart from some virtual simulated cyber sex (possibly with a police officer impersonating an underage girl), i had not, and so they informed me that they would not take any action. i am so grateful that my name has not been added to the sexual offenders register, however i learnt my lesson that day, and now am so affraid to repeat the offence, that have never gone searching for these sort of photos, ever again…
 
hooray…today i threw away my last porn movie DVD’s, so am completely clean now, in the physical sense, but not yet in the spiritual sense. the battle against a porn relapse will continue. it is a very real danger. i know that i will need to guard against bad thoughts…thanks to everyone for the encouragement.thank you
 
The_Bucket said:
SA and SAA are nondenominational in every way. They just ask you to believe in a “Higher Power” and don’t have any doctrine ascribed to it.
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I would not be surprised if these groups were at minimum based on Catholic teaching, but actually created by Catholics. I know AA was created by Catholics and if you go through the 12 steps, they are based on Catholic teaching, but made into neutral spirituality so it could reach more people.

Money wasted on sinful purchases is part of the temporal punishment due to sin. You have to throw that stuff out. Do you have a trusted family member who could act as an accountability partner? There is accountability software out there to hold people accountable for their online site viewing. Whenever you visit an inappropriate site it sends an email to that person,. so they can confront you and make you feel shameful.

You might want to go inquire about seeing a professional with this. There has to be a priest or someone who can refer you to a good professional who has experience with this, but doesn’t stray from Catholic moral teaching (I know from my professional life and having to liaise with the sex therapists, when dealing with other sexual issues such as people who view child porn or engage in child molestation some use very wrong techniques to “re-program the brain” which just make me want to vomit).
 
mostolto said:
hooray…today i threw away my last porn movie DVD’s, so am completely clean now, in the physical sense, but not yet in the spiritual sense. the battle against a porn relapse will continue. it is a very real danger. i know that i will need to guard against bad thoughts…thanks to everyone for the encouragement.thank you
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Yes, praise be Jesus who lives in you, you did win this battle! And you are 100% correct, the war will continue!

I have been “clean” for probably 10 years now, but satan continues an occasional stealth attack, or series of attacks, and boy-oh-boy are they powerful. Other posters have said it, and I will repeat: This is a true addiction, in every sense of the word! And to make matters worse, there is little support in the mainstream for this addiction, while alcoholics, drug addicts, overeaters and smokers have plenty of avenues to pursue.

It is a purely spiritual war – I don’t think there is a better example of a God-given gift that is so perfectly vulnerable to corruption. This sickness does not involve a chemical or substance, but it is hidden away in your mind, soul and spirit itself. And because of this, your best support will be spiritual – eg. confession, receiving the Eucharist, spiritual direction – and don’t think your faith won’t be tested either. In the battle for your soul and mine, satan takes no prisoners. He has found the chink in our armor, and we are no match for him. Only with God’s help can we find victory.
 
curiosity is a powerful force, that can sometimes lead one into real trouble. fortunately, i do not have an ongoing problem with addiction to illegal pornography, such as that depicting children. that day i downloaded those photos was a lesson to me, because the possibility of spending time in jail, just does not seem worth the risk, to me. i guess this is why i am not a child abuser, but teen and adult pornography is what the market encourages, and mainstream porn will continue to pose a threat to me. i know i will continue to struggle with this problem. every tv show, or movie, depicting mild scenes of nudity, is a test. i know i will win this battle. my relatives have always provided support in the recovery process. i have already taken the most difficult step. i have rid myself completely of every porn photo and video that i accumulated over 15 yrs of internet usage. to me this is a big step, in the recovery process. it is encouraging to know that many of my fellow brothers in Christ, continue to struggle with this problem, it is a tender issue, that enemies of the Church, have taken full advantage of. thanks to everyone for the encouragement, i could never have done it without all of you.thank you
 
So leave the smut alone the way I leave cigarettes alone—one day at a time. You can do anything for twenty four hours, especially with God’s help, things that would appall you if you thought you had to do it “forever.”

Of course, “one day at a time” adds up to “permanently.” But it’s a lot easier to accomplish.

Ask God for help to keep you out of temptation, and to resist temptation, when you first get up in the morning. And be sure to thank Him at night. Nobody is that wild about helping someone out if they don’t get thanked!
 
CHAPTER 13 – On Resisting Temptations [The Imitation of Christ]

So long as we live in this world, we cannot remain without trial and temptation: as Job says, “Man’s life on earth is a warfare.” We must therefore be on guard against temptations, and watchful in prayer, that the Devil find no means of deceiving us; for he never rests, but prowls around seeking whom he may devour. No one is so perfect and holy that he is never tempted, and we can never be secure from temptation.

Although temptations are so troublesome and grievous, yet they are often profitable to us, for by them we are humbled, cleansed, and instructed. All the Saints endured manly trials and temptations, and profited by them; but those who could not resist temptations became reprobate, and fell away. There is no Order so holy, nor place so secluded, where there are no troubles and temptations.

No man can be entirely free from temptation so long as he lives; for the source of temptation lies within our own nature, since we are born with an inclination towards evil. When one temptation or trial draws to a close, another takes its place; and we shall always have something to fight, for man has lost the blessing of original happiness. Many try to escape temptations, only to encounter them more fiercely, for no one can win victory by flight alone; it is only by patience and true humility that we can grow stronger than all our foes.

The man who only avoids the outward occasions of evil, but fails to uproot it in himself, will gain little advantage. Indeed, temptations will return upon him the sooner, and he will find himself in a worse state than before. Little by little and by patient endurance you will overcome them by God’s help, better than by your own violence and importunity. Seek regular advice in temptation, and never deal harshly with those who are tempted, but give them such encouragement as you would value yourself.

The beginning of all evil temptation is an unstable mind and lack of trust in God. Just as a ship without a helm is driven to and fro by the waves, so a careless man, who abandons his proper course, is tempted in countless ways. Fire tempers steel, and temptation the just man. We often do not know what we can bear, but temptation reveals our true nature. We need especially to be on our guard at the very onset of temptation, for then the Enemy may be more easily overcome, if he is not allowed to enter the gates of the mind: he must be repulsed at the threshold, as soon as he knocks. Thus the poet Ovid writes, “Resist at the beginning; the remedy may come too late.” For first there comes into the mind an evil thought: next, a vivid picture: then delight, and urge to evil, and finally consent. In this way the Enemy gradually gains complete mastery, when he is not resisted at first. And the longer a slothful man delays resistance, the weaker he becomes, and the stronger his enemy grows against him.

Some people undergo their heaviest temptations at the beginning of their conversion; some towards the end of their course; others are greatly troubled all their lives; while there are some whose temptations are but light. This is in accordance with the wisdom and justice of God’s ordinance, who weighs the condition and merits of every man, and disposes all things for the salvation of those whom He chooses.

We must not despair, therefore, when we are tempted, but earnestly pray God to grant us his help in every need. For, as Saint Paul says, “With the temptation, God will provide a way to overcome it, that we may be able to bear bear it.” So, let us humble ourselves under the hand of God, in every trial and trouble, for He will save and raise up the humble in Spirit. In all these trials, our progress is tested; in them great merit may be secured, and our virtue become evident. It is no great matter if we are devout and fervent when we have no troubles; but if we show patience in adversity, we can make great progress in virtue. Some are spared severe temptations, but are overcome in the lesser ones of every day, in order that they may be humble, and learn not to trust in themselves, but to recognize their frailty.
 
today was a real test, i had the opportunity to buy some pornographic movies again, but managed to aquire the strength, through a moment of prayer, to decline the offer. am really grateful that God was able to sustain me in this difficult time. i know it wont be the last time i will be tempted in this way, but will continue to ask for Gods help.
 
Well, when you say your prayers this evening, make sure you thank God for giving you the strength to resist temptation today. And tomorrow morning, ask Him to give you the strength to resist it again.
 
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