Hope you feel better soon, Escape!
Day 42
Today I have 6 weeks without deliberately looking at porn. I'm still tempted every day.
Anxiety is higher than when I was binging porn. Shit. 18 days complete starvation. Quitting porn and drinking at the same time surely is hard.
Thanks, man.You're welcome, Escape. What does this temptation look like? Is it urges that come on a daily basis? Have they changed in intensity? Does it feel like you're relying on sheer will-power?
It's all just the lower-brain trying to get it's fix. But I hope you can- yes, keep vigilant, keep that sharp edge, but kind of relax into your recovery. Trust the process, trust the science of habit-change.
The fact is, that for 6 weeks you've not given in to the urges, that has got to affect the habit itself. Are there other things that can be changed that surround the times or circumstances of these daily temptations? I ask, because the urges have to first be 'cued' or 'triggered'. If you know what cues these urges, you can kind of just observe them from a nonjudgmental and relaxed place, as you breathe through and dismiss the urges.
I admire your focus and determination, and that permanent change will be your reward.
Thanks, man. I don't know too much about mindfulness. Any place where I could start?Let me know any questions you have on the way I do it, using mindfulness, or other techniques, and I’ll answer best I can.
Don't worry about it. Whenever you can.I’ll link you to some resources. I’m on vacation now, so it may be in a day or so...
Thanks, man.Hey, Escape. Here’s a couple of links to learn more about mindfulness and urges...
https://impulsivity.com.au/2018/04/urge-surfing/
https://stjosephinstitute.com/what-is-urge-surfing/
https://bayareacbtcenter.com/urge-surfing-riding-the-waves-of-emotions/
https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/conyers/5-mindfulness-practices-to-step-up-your-recovery