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| Habit to Harmony Forum |

It's kind of disappointing the day after I proclaim my determination to get over my addiction, I hit one of my lowest of lows. I feel like crap right now, dazed and confused. I want to get this out of my system and written down but I really don't want to be judged so take it easy on me...
The evening started with a happy hour - a couple of drinks with friends. We decided to head back to our own places, grab some dinner and meet up at a different bar for a few more drinks later in the night. We go our separate ways. As I was walking back, I thought there was no point in heading back to my end of town and coming back so I decided I would grab some dinner and hang out at a strip club. A couple of drinks in, I get a dance. I blow off my friends and figure I would head home because I really didn't want to have a big night. Anyway, I hang out for a little while longer and get another dance. This time it wasn't much of a dance - she was just plain old dry humping me. She wanted to get more sensual so she convinced me to go to the VIP room. It's a lot more expensive back there and not much different. More dry humping and a lot more money down the drain. Anyway, I got the hell out of there. That experience left me so sexually aroused that I came back home and serviced my satisfaction for myself. How irresponsible is that??? I threw away $300 just to feel like crap at the end of the night. Who does this?!?
Anyway, so I'm back to day 1 and $300 worse for the wear. It's one thing to have this addiction but it's sucking money in substantial amounts out of me too now. I really can't tell if I've made progress or just regressed over the year. Time to pick up the pieces...
Comments
I think the word "addiction"
I think the word "addiction" is being used too strongly here... I know you've been here longer but people get addicted to all sorts of things and while it's good to strive to be in charge of your life, you cannot afford one moment of self-shaming because that makes your desires even stronger.
In our culture the word addiction is a loaded word that means "bad person, person with no self-control, moral degenerate, defective person" and that gives you a burden you don't deserve to bear.
I've slipped a few times already, but I don't allow myself to say "I'm a bad person" anymore, you just have to be forgiving of yourself. I've spent my whole life beating myself up and I have had enough of it.
If I were you I would stop using the word addiction. For all you know the fact that you say "don't do this, I shouldn't be here, this is wrong" is what gave you the temptation to spend even MORE money.
Aside from that, men have been throwing money at women since time began. How do you think they can afford to make money at that strip club? Because you and 90% of men like the idea of seeing naked women. Me included.
I haven't been to a strip club in a while but when I went, I enjoyed it because I didn't think I was doing something wrong or failing myself. I really haven't had the opportunity or the thought to go to a strip club since I decided to take control of my sexuality, I don't know how I would feel about doing it. For some reason when I think of it it sounds perfectly acceptable.
What if you were in some trendy dance club? The girls there will be half-naked and probably all over you. What's the difference?
The Oracle
I just clicked on the Oracle and look what came up. That's truly amazing!
What is holding me back or causing me pain? Or what do I need to be alert to in my situation?
FAILURE TO FORGIVE AN ERROR IN JUDGMENT
What insight will help me at this time?
CLING TO WHAT YOU KNOW IS RIGHT
Yeah those can be pretty
Yeah those can be pretty accurate, those synchronicities.
Next time I'm in a situation like this I am just going to say "well, I'm doing my best here. No one is perfect and neither am I". Makes it easier to move on with your day and your goals.
Good idea!
I had a relapse yesterday too, so I asked the oracle too. Here comes:
What is holding me back or causing me pain? Or what do I need to be alert to in my situation?
CLANNISHNESS
What insight will help me at this time?
A MISHAP INSPIRES RENEWED VIGOR IN A POSITIVE DIRECTION
I like the second one!
Sometimes
you break your nose when you fall on your face. Your intention to pick up the pieces will carry you through. The work you have done to get to this place today, is with you and is working in you. The I-Ching speaks of the inferior man. Sounds like that old dude inside you is fighting for his life. Your declaration of freedom scared the shit out of him...and he got you. Put some ice on it. Your nose will heal.
What you did yesterday is in the past. What will you do now?
Thanks for writing. It's good for us all.
Very insightful. Perhaps
Very insightful. Perhaps it's a last ditch effort by the old dude inside before he disappears forever!!
Thanks Chela - that really lifted my spirits!
Last ditch effort
Really, that's what I was thinking, too. I don't think it's a coincidence that you came back here to get some support, and then went to a strip club 24 hours later.
Also, sometimes big loss (like 300 dollars) is just what we need to get ourselves motivated to make a change. A small price to pay, in the long run.
Only time will tell
Only time will tell. That would be a small price to pay if all works out.
*pats head*
I'm sure the ladies very much appreciated your contribution.
I have a deeper reservoir of
I have a deeper reservoir of riches to give than money can ever buy.
That's the stuff!
You're so right.
Here's part of a PM I got, which was very insightful: