You may have heard the expression, "You sound like a broken record." In other words, the person is implying they hear a constant repetition of a specific opinion from you. If you're living with a porn addiction, you may have heard this line more than once. Likewise, repeating thoughts may frequently run through your head. The cycle of porn addiction can leave you feeling like you're stuck on repeat, turning to the same behaviors time and time again.
Porn addiction, like any addiction, can creep in and take over areas of your life without much warning. Furthermore, it can cause you to turn to specific behaviors, even if you don't want to. For many, the desire to stop is present, but the driving force to turn to the addiction is more powerful. As a result, your promise, "Never again." may sound like a broken record. This can lead to disappointment, shame, guilt, and hopelessness.
What can you do to interrupt the vicious cycle of porn addiction? Is it possible to keep hope alive and put an end to the repetitious cycle you find yourself stuck in?
Unlike many other addictions, you won't find porn addiction in the DSM. What does that mean? Is it really an addiction? If you ask those who devote their careers to helping people overcome their porn addiction, they can tell you, "Yes!" Likewise, the debate doesn't seem to be about whether porn can be addictive and dangerously harmful. Instead, it appears to be about a lack of clear evidence.
So, while there isn't official evidence to shut down the debate, many understand the painful grip of the addiction. Many families and those battling the addiction can attest to the destructiveness of porn addiction. Over time, as behaviors become excessive, the desire to turn away is overrun by the drive to view more. Hence the cycle continues. As a result, you may find yourself stuck in a web of secrecy, lies, excuses, guilt, or shame. Your partner may tell you, "You sound like a broken record." In other words, they're hearing you say the same thing over and over. What they may not know is how stuck you truly are.
If you have the desire to stop but you can't, you're not alone. Due to the high stimulation of porn, rewiring in the brain can occur. As a result, the cravings can become very intense. Similarly, you may notice simple, everyday pleasures no longer bring enjoyment. There may be many reasons why your porn addiction has taken over.
The good news is, there is always hope. While the journey toward recovery will be hard, the hope for recovery may be your driving force to get you there. Likewise, many are enjoying the peace and fulfillment of porn addiction recovery every day. In other words, there are support options available that may help you break your habits and overcome your porn addiction.
If you have a desire to overcome your porn addiction, we may be able to help. At Capstone Counseling and Coaching, we understand the complex issues that come with addiction. Let's talk about how we might be able to help you. Call us today.