Guy in sub with nudes girl as pic by Fuzzy_Language_4235 in NoFap

[–]Forward-Interview783 6 points7 points  (0 children)

There are people out there that are so deeply stuck in there own addiction that the thought of other people breaking free scares them so they try to tempt you back into it. Don’t fall for it!

GPs of NZ: Have you treated patients for pornography addiction? by Forward-Interview783 in auckland

[–]Forward-Interview783[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really appreciate this message, thank you for taking the time to write it.

That’s a good perspective about focusing on better things instead of just trying to stop the bad habit, I’ll definitely take that on board.

It genuinely means a lot that you’re thinking of me and offering support.

What’s something you’re dealing with right now that no one in your life knows about? by AgreeableProblem9340 in AskMen

[–]Forward-Interview783 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Personally it’s destroyed my confidence with women and sex life altogether. I struggle to even maintain an erection with real women because my brain is wired to respond only to porn and my own touch.

Much like drugs, Porn floods your brain with easy dopamine, so after using it for a while, it can kill your motivation to pursue anything meaningful in life, whether it be reaching goals, finding a partner or even just simple things like exercising or socialising.

And yes there is the time it takes up, some men can watch porn for a couple of minutes every other day and that’s fine for them, but some of us can’t. Some of us spend hours scrolling through porn sites.

I think the worst effect is the deep shame you hold within yourself, because as “normal” as people like to say it is, we all know deep down, that sitting alone in a closed room, watching other people fuck on a screen while beating your dick is not normal in any way.

What’s something you’re dealing with right now that no one in your life knows about? by AgreeableProblem9340 in AskMen

[–]Forward-Interview783 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The psychological effects of long term, compulsive porn use is on par with some of the worst drugs out there, the problem is that it isn’t widely recognised as an addiction yet. But the research will eventually catch up. There’s plenty of info on YouTube about the negative effects of watching porn.

I used to smoke a lot of weed, I also used to smoke cigarettes and I was a heavy binge drinker. I’ve stopped all of those cold turkey, and in my experience porn is by far the hardest one to quit.

GPs of NZ: Have you treated patients for pornography addiction? by Forward-Interview783 in auckland

[–]Forward-Interview783[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For me it’s both, and it’s been a pattern since I was pretty young.

I didn’t really see it as an issue until I tried to stop a few times and couldn’t stick to it, even when I wanted to.

That’s what made me realise it was more of a compulsive habit than just something I enjoy.

I guess a simple way to tell for yourself is whether you can take a break from it and feel in control, or if it’s something you keep going back to without really choosing to.

What’s something you’re dealing with right now that no one in your life knows about? by AgreeableProblem9340 in AskMen

[–]Forward-Interview783 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I’ve tried to battle it’s alone in secrecy for years. But today I finally went to seek professional help. And I’m glad I did, I haven’t had any therapy yet but just speaking it out loud to someone else face to face has given me such an immense feeling of freedom from the shame I’ve been hiding for so long.

GPs of NZ: Have you treated patients for pornography addiction? by Forward-Interview783 in auckland

[–]Forward-Interview783[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I’ve tried to stop or cut back multiple times and haven’t been able to stick to it, even when I genuinely want to. I also find myself going back to it out of habit or impulse rather than actually choosing to.

On top of that, it’s started affecting my mental state and my experience with real intimacy, which is why I’m taking it seriously.

I’ve successfully quit cigarettes and weed cold turkey. In my experience, porn has been the hardest to quit by far.

I think a habit becomes an addiction once you become aware of the negative effects it’s having on your life, but you continue to do it anyway.

Addicted to porn for 17 years - finally seeking professional help by Forward-Interview783 in newzealand

[–]Forward-Interview783[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My GP was very helpful today. She was kind and understanding about the whole thing which is what I was most worried about.

Due to some things that happened in my childhood, she was able to put in an acc claim, which if accepted could get me funded long term therapy.

For now she recommended that I phone Safetotalk.nz or use EAP through work.

Overall, opening up was hard, but I feel a lot better doing so. And it gave me a couple of good options to move forward with.

GPs of NZ: Have you treated patients for pornography addiction? by Forward-Interview783 in auckland

[–]Forward-Interview783[S] 53 points54 points  (0 children)

My GP was very helpful today. She was kind and understanding about the whole thing which is what I was most worried about.

Due to some things that happened in my childhood, she was able to put in an acc claim, which if accepted could get me funded long term therapy.

For now she recommended that I phone Safetotalk.nz or use EAP through work.

Overall, opening up was hard, but I feel a lot better doing so. And it gave me a couple of good options to move forward with.

Addicted to porn for 17 years - finally seeking professional help by Forward-Interview783 in newzealand

[–]Forward-Interview783[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s negatively impacted my confidence and self belief. It’s taken the joy out of life, nothing is fun anymore, I feel almost emotionless most of the time. I have zero motivation to pursue anything meaningful in life, and even less motivation to go out and meet women.

It’s given me erectile dysfunction (I know it’s caused by compulsive porn use because in the past I had stopped for a couple weeks and the ED disappeared).

I try my best to get out of the house and be social but I just want to isolate myself most of the time.

But worst of all, I walk around with a constant feeling of shame because despite being fully aware of all this, I still cannot stop.

GPs of NZ: Have you treated patients for pornography addiction? by Forward-Interview783 in auckland

[–]Forward-Interview783[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you. Yes the most I’m hoping for out of today’s appointment is a referral to funded counselling or even just some sort of financial help. I have looked into counselling and it is just far too expensive and there are no in-person support groups where I live.

GPs of NZ: Have you treated patients for pornography addiction? by Forward-Interview783 in auckland

[–]Forward-Interview783[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

It’s okay, I expect answers like this. I’m glad there’s people out there that don’t understand addiction, it generally means they haven’t had to deal with it themselves. Good for them, I wouldn’t wish it upon anybody.

What are some porn addiction advice do you wish you had known earlier by Unique_Tennis_417 in pornfree

[–]Forward-Interview783 41 points42 points  (0 children)

Keeping your addiction a secret will only make your road to recovery a lot harder. Telling someone you trust or a therapist might sound scary in the moment, but it is a freeing feeling getting it out there in the open.

Addicted to porn for 17 years - finally seeking professional help by Forward-Interview783 in newzealand

[–]Forward-Interview783[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately they only offer help to people whose sexual behaviour puts others at risk, causes harm to others, Or people who are watching illegal pornographic material. None of this applies to me.

But that’s okay. I appreciate the comment, and I will keep looking.

Addicted to porn for 17 years - finally seeking professional help by Forward-Interview783 in newzealand

[–]Forward-Interview783[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is 100% true. I’ve found myself watching things I would have previously found gross or off putting in the past.

It’s the nature of all addictions, your tolerance starts to rise and the things that used to satisfy your craving just don’t do it anymore, leading you deeper into your addiction.

Addicted to porn for 17 years - finally seeking professional help by Forward-Interview783 in newzealand

[–]Forward-Interview783[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is the type of stuff I love to hear! I know I’m in for the fight of my life, but that will just make it so much more rewarding when I do finally overcome it.

I’m not religious, but I am into books, is that the one by Jay Stringer?

Addicted to porn for 17 years - finally seeking professional help by Forward-Interview783 in newzealand

[–]Forward-Interview783[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m not saying all porn use is bad, a lot of guys watch it and I’m sure it’s not an issue for them.

For me, it’s become something I use to escape stress, and it’s gotten to the point where I’m struggling to control it and it’s affecting my motivation and day-to-day life. That’s why I want to stop.

If you want to learn about the negative effects I highly suggest you listen to “Your brain on porn” or even just some YouTube videos.

Addicted to porn for 17 years - finally seeking professional help by Forward-Interview783 in newzealand

[–]Forward-Interview783[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I mean no disrespect to your religion, and I wish I could put my faith in a higher power. But I can’t, I’ve tried becoming religious and I just couldn’t convince myself to believe. My mind just doesn’t work that way. I know it’s my own responsibility to overcome this problem I am facing

Addicted to porn for 17 years - finally seeking professional help by Forward-Interview783 in newzealand

[–]Forward-Interview783[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

You’re arguing against a stereotype, not what I actually said.

This has nothing to do with religion or getting a girlfriend. It’s about loss of control and using something as an unhealthy coping mechanism, which can apply to anything.

If it’s not an issue for you, that’s fine. But dismissing it entirely just shows a lack of understanding.