How to Fight Your Porn Addiction

By: Missionary Team

I am not an expert in the psychology of porn, but I do know what it’s like to be addicted and what it’s like to overcome it. Like you, I didn’t really have any tangible steps to quit porn. I just heard things like “pray” and “stop doing it” . Although this was great advice, it wouldn’t stop me from watching porn. Everything changes once you get that overwhelming urge to watch it. It starts with entertaining the lustful thoughts in your head, justifying porn, then acting on it. So here are a few steps that worked for me to overcome my addiction. I know you can do this!

1. I know I can’t do this alone!
I had to come to an understanding that I couldn’t overcome this alone. I needed Jesus so badly. I came to him with all my struggles. I’d always pray to God to free me. He knew I was weak. I could never have done it without him.

2. I workout
There were times when my temptation to watch porn was super intense. Usually, it would start with the impure thoughts, entertaining them, consenting to that action in my heart, justifying it then doing it. So what I did before I entertained my thoughts and consented, was workout. Even if it was just doing 100 pushups, it was whatever it took to release my endorphins and help the intense desire to go away. It would work but there were times when I was so weak I would neglect the workout and consent to the porn in my heart.

3. I remembered Christ’s Passion
I forced myself to watch the Passion of the Christ - the scourging at the pillar scene. After that, I had no sexual desire left to fulfill my quest for porn. Sure, it sounds crazy but you're reading this blog because you are desperate for change in your life. This step works.

4. I watched documentaries on human trafficking
I educated myself on the corruption, abuse and evil within the porn industry and human trafficking. It was disgusting to see how many women undergo great suffering due to it, but also how highly correlated both of these evils are. It helped me build indignation towards the toxic porn industry.

5. Confession & Spiritual Direction
I found a priest I trusted. I would go to him almost twice a week to confess the same sins. It was the only thing I was consistent at. This helped me so much to be more sensitive to my sin and have someone I love and trust to hold me accountable. I would never be at the place I’m at now if it wasn’t for the graces that came from this step. This is the most important step!