PIED Recovery

I never thought I’d make it this far. I am most shockingly happy. Shocked at how I did it. And happy for yes I did it!

Well, I am talking about my porn obsession. After years of struggling with porn addiction, the longest I’d ever gone without watching it was fifteen days. That streak seemed like a distant memory until recently. 

Now, I’m thirty-five days clean. It feels surreal, and I want to share my journey with you.

The turning point for me came when I learned about Porn-Induced Erectile Dysfunction (PIED). At first, the information didn’t hit me hard. But subconsciously, it planted a seed of doubt. And that can be a pretty handful for me, given I am quite an overthinker. Once the doubts pour in, I can make a mountain from a mole. 

But for once, I was quite genuinely concerned here, I guess. I didn’t want my future, my relationships, and my self-esteem to be dictated by the inevitable consequences of being addicted to the charms on screen. 

I realized that my addiction was more than just a bad habit; it was a serious issue affecting my physical health. I was finally able to pinpoint what was the reason for losing interest in real-life sex and why I was not really able to perform over time, even when I was doing great while fapping.

I guess PIED was crawling in my life. And that my friend scared me. I did not want to deal with this issue. So taking it up as a motivation, I made a firm decision to quit porn.

Now, it’s not like I never tried quitting porn. In the past, I would dive into attempts to quit porn with sheer willpower. Each time, I’d end up back at square one, feeling more defeated than before. 

But this time, something had to change. I started reading about self-improvement, not just in the context of quitting porn but as a holistic approach to bettering myself.

One of the first changes I made was to avoid places where I used to watch porn. It sounds simple, but it was incredibly effective. I stopped bringing my phone or laptop to bed and avoided being alone in my room for extended periods. I installed a porn blocker to the popping temptation away. 

I filled my time with activities that didn’t leave room for those urges to creep in—like going for a run, reading a book, or spending time with friends and family.

But avoiding triggers wasn’t enough. I needed to address my mental, physical, and spiritual health to make a lasting change. So, I started focusing on improving these aspects of my life.

Mentally, I began practising mindfulness. It helped me stay present and aware of my thoughts without judgment. When the urges hit, instead of giving in or fighting them, I acknowledged them and let them pass. This practice was crucial in breaking the cycle of addiction.

Physically, I committed to a regular exercise routine. I joined a local gym and started working out three times a week. Exercise became a new outlet for my stress and energy. It not only improved my physical health but also improved my mood and self-esteem. Each workout felt like a small victory, reinforcing my decision to stay clean.

Emotionally, I began to respect myself more. I realized that every time I gave in to the urges, I was disrespecting my time and my body. I started setting boundaries and holding myself accountable. Each day without porn became a victory, a testament to my growing self-control and determination.

And honestly, the support I found online was really helpful as well. I discovered a community of people who understood exactly what I was going through. I posted about my journey, my struggles, and my small victories. The encouragement and advice I received were invaluable. People shared their own experiences, tips, and motivational stories, reminding me that I wasn’t alone in this fight.

Two weeks into my new routine, I already felt different. The urges were still there, but they were less intense. I felt more in control and more focused on my goals. It was empowering to see progress so soon, even if it was just two weeks. 

I realized that I didn’t need to obsess over NoFap alone. My journey was about improving myself as a whole person.

Avoiding triggers, exercising, meditating, and engaging with a supportive community were all crucial steps in my recovery. However, the most important lesson I learned was to respect myself and be responsible with my time. Quitting porn wasn’t just about willpower; it was about building a life that I didn’t want to escape from.

My relationships began to improve, too. I was more present with my family and friends. I started to rebuild trust and connection, which had been eroded by my addiction. Socially, I felt more confident and less anxious. The cloud of shame that had followed me for so long was beginning to lift.

If you are reading this and struggling with porn addiction, know that recovery is possible. It won’t be easy, and it won’t happen overnight. But by taking small steps to improve your mental, physical, and spiritual health, you can make significant progress. Surround yourself with supportive people, avoid triggers, and focus on building a life you are proud of. 

We are all in this together; you’re not alone in your journey.

Free from Porn Addiction

How Quitting Porn Boosted My Confidence

30 Days of No Fap and What I Learned?

How I Win Over My Urges?

My Journey to Freedom from Addiction & ED