Still learning

Ok, so I have been learning about the addiction. I have learned about the brain and why addiction is so strong. So ultimately it is fact, pornography is bad for a person, and one can not use it like a drug.
As i mentioned before in other blog posts, i also have a chewing tobacco addiction. However i have been using a nicotine withdrawal patch system to manage quitting. So tonight marks 1 week with tobacco. Which i feel is a start.
However, my porn habit is still not under control. I have still been looking at porn at night.
However I have noticed some changes. Now i am embarrassed by my description. But basically i would chew tobacco while looking a porn for a long time. Maybe the viewing time would about a hour or so, or longer untill orgasam. While chewing tobacco.
So, i dont want nicotine to be associate with sexual arousal. Also i need to not chew ever again. Because simply put it is gross.
So i have been masturbating this week, with out chewing.
But i still feel terrible. I am not having alot of nicotine withdrawals, and i am starting to think i can leave tobacco in the past. But i do feel terrible other wise from porn use.
I have been working with someone, and they have been taking me through the 12 step program. I am being honest and upfront. He had me take a inventory of regrets to see if maybe there is anything under lieing my life and could give me the mental attitude i have. I have been reading the big book. I have read articles from this site. I am informing myself.
I even volunteered at a soup kitchen a couple of morning this week. To give back to the community. To try and improve my karma, my attitude.
And yet, with all this searching and though, i can not stop looking at porn.
I accept that i can not stop on my own. I need help and iam trying to get that help and i am getting that help. And yet, i cant stop. Why?
I think it is because i am weak. I have noticed that always look for a easier way out of a situation. And i dont like to be uncomfortable.
And ceasing to look at porn i think will be the biggest thing i can do for myself, to ensure for a better future.
And as i finish writting and reflecting on the past few weeks. I feel i have more knowledge, but i have gotten any closer to reaching what i truly desire, which is to be free porn.

Comments

Marnia's picture

to have trouble putting the brakes on at first, so don't get discouraged. *pats head*

Unfortunately, feeling bad just makes the need for a "fix" stronger, so do your best to see the humor in the situation: so a primitive part of your brain got the upper hand (sorry, couldn't resist smiley ) for a bit and it's taking time to sort it out. Big deal.

Feeling bad/weak/sorry for oneself is probably the Number One trigger for self-medicating with more of whatever an addict is trying *not* to use. Try to stay a bit detached and just observe your behavior. Then, before you use, try to visualize, in detail, what you'll feel like after a porn session.

When you get really fed up with the tricks of your reward circuitry, try a porn blocker...and be prepared for some sleepless nights.

*big hug*