KeepUpTheGoodWork
Active Member
Hey everyone,
It's been a long while since I've posted on here. I've had a really tough 2017, starting off with my father's passing last January.
I've spent the last year exploring my sex addiction (and other compulsive behaviors) and I ended up seeking help with therapy and a 12-step program.
I'm super happy to report that yesterday I was gifted 300 days sober from compulsive sexual behaviors.
Some of the things that have helped me are:
1) a 12-step program. One of the first things that I learned in my program was that my addiction was a coping mechanism. By getting into a support program, I have learned that I am not alone in my struggles, I can get help, and I don't need porn to cope with life. Another important thing I learned was that going to meetings in person got me away from my computer. I don't want to poo-poo the forums, because that's where I started, but getting out of my house and having actual human interaction with other sex addicts was HUGE.
2) therapy. I speak weekly with a therapist about EVERYTHING. Talking about problems is a great way to cope with them and I'm learning how to communicate both my needs and concerns better with all those around me.
3) getting a sponsor. On the forums, I had a buddy, which was great, but I have an experienced sponsor in my program (5 years sex addiction free, 25 years alcohol and drugs free) who has really helped me get over the shame of my addiction and learn more about healthy sexuality in the real world.
After two and a half years of struggling through nofap on my own, the extra work that I've undertaken has paid off.
I'm also happy to share that my relationship with my girlfriend is better than it has ever been. We have sex often and I've learned to take "no" for an answer. Heck, I'm even okay with telling her that I'm too tired. I've seen a great reduction in obsessing and planning for sex. I've also started playing drums again - as an actual career, not just for fun.
The gifts I've received have gone far beyond my "super powers". I encourage you all to keep going!
I guess that's it for now. I just wanted to share with you guys that this disease is possible to overcome. If you find that you are struggling to get a solid streak going, don't be afraid to take this to the next level and start seeking more help.
For me, realizing that the scope of a 90-day reboot wasn't enough, was the best thing I could have ever done for myself.
It's been a long while since I've posted on here. I've had a really tough 2017, starting off with my father's passing last January.
I've spent the last year exploring my sex addiction (and other compulsive behaviors) and I ended up seeking help with therapy and a 12-step program.
I'm super happy to report that yesterday I was gifted 300 days sober from compulsive sexual behaviors.
Some of the things that have helped me are:
1) a 12-step program. One of the first things that I learned in my program was that my addiction was a coping mechanism. By getting into a support program, I have learned that I am not alone in my struggles, I can get help, and I don't need porn to cope with life. Another important thing I learned was that going to meetings in person got me away from my computer. I don't want to poo-poo the forums, because that's where I started, but getting out of my house and having actual human interaction with other sex addicts was HUGE.
2) therapy. I speak weekly with a therapist about EVERYTHING. Talking about problems is a great way to cope with them and I'm learning how to communicate both my needs and concerns better with all those around me.
3) getting a sponsor. On the forums, I had a buddy, which was great, but I have an experienced sponsor in my program (5 years sex addiction free, 25 years alcohol and drugs free) who has really helped me get over the shame of my addiction and learn more about healthy sexuality in the real world.
After two and a half years of struggling through nofap on my own, the extra work that I've undertaken has paid off.
I'm also happy to share that my relationship with my girlfriend is better than it has ever been. We have sex often and I've learned to take "no" for an answer. Heck, I'm even okay with telling her that I'm too tired. I've seen a great reduction in obsessing and planning for sex. I've also started playing drums again - as an actual career, not just for fun.
The gifts I've received have gone far beyond my "super powers". I encourage you all to keep going!
I guess that's it for now. I just wanted to share with you guys that this disease is possible to overcome. If you find that you are struggling to get a solid streak going, don't be afraid to take this to the next level and start seeking more help.
For me, realizing that the scope of a 90-day reboot wasn't enough, was the best thing I could have ever done for myself.