Overcoming a Decade-Long Addiction: My Two-Year Journey
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For ten years, I struggled with a significant addiction to pornography, but for the past two years, I have successfully refrained from it. This transformation was not instantaneous; it required considerable effort, trial and error, and a genuine commitment to change. If you are battling a similar addiction, I encourage you to read my story and consider implementing the strategies I've outlined.
My Journey
Admittedly, it feels somewhat uncomfortable to share my experiences, knowing my family may read this. However, the topic is crucial, and I believe it warrants discussion. The moment I got my first smartphone, I gained access to the vast expanse of the internet, including all the negative influences it harbors, particularly pornography.
I can't pinpoint exactly how I discovered it, but I remember feeling like I had stumbled upon a treasure trove. Initially, it was just one video a week, which quickly escalated to daily viewing. This wasn't just my experience; many of my friends were caught in the same cycle. We didn’t label it as an addiction, but we were aware of our habits.
Years passed, and I found myself trapped in a continuous loop: engaging in an activity, feeling tempted, giving in, experiencing guilt, and then repeating the cycle. It was disheartening to realize that I was unaware of the detrimental effects this addiction had on my mental health. I was depleting my energy during formative years, with no one warning me about the consequences.
This cycle persisted for nearly a decade until 2022, when my best friend, whom I’ll refer to as Jeremy, shared his New Year’s resolution to quit porn and practice semen retention. I had never heard of semen retention before and was skeptical about his decision. Jeremy explained the benefits, including heightened energy and improved focus. Despite my doubts, I wished him well and asked him to keep me updated.
From January to May, he remained dedicated and frequently shared his experiences. I was astonished to hear about his transformation—he no longer felt guilt, his energy soared, and he gained clarity about his life’s direction. At that time, I was in a relationship, but I still struggled with my addiction. As I prepared to spend three months apart from my girlfriend, I decided to try semen retention for myself.
I traveled to a Danish island, optimistic that a change of scenery would help me. However, it didn’t take long for me to give in to my old habits. Despite my efforts, I could only manage a couple of days without relapse. It felt nearly impossible to break free, but I persisted. I established accountability with Jeremy and immersed myself in content about semen retention.
The prevailing message I encountered was that relapses were okay as long as you tried again. I adopted this mindset, repeating the process for three months. By the last two weeks of my trip, I resolved to quit for good. Those weeks were incredibly challenging, with temptations