Any tips on how to get straight back on the horse?

Wow I had to do the exact same thing lol, Cold showers & exercise. You got this!

 

You just have to know that your mind just got a taste of Pmo and will try anything to keep it a habit. At this point your mind will do anything to rationalize it like "just one last time" or "you'll start tomorrow". Know these these thoughts are bullshit. It's been extremely hard for me to just Pmo once with out relapsing multiple times. Stay focused & aware of any tricks your mind will use to lure you back to porn. Then get a couple days under your belt you should be on track without losing much progress.

Good luck and stay strong!

 

First thing I look at after a relapse: Why did it happen? and How can I prevent that error this time?

So you should change something, maybe a few things.

Other than that, just try to look forward to the energy boost around day 7. And by that day, you can use the excuse 'I'm more than a week in, might as well keep going'.

Unfortunately pmo is the biggest dopamine hit in our lives atm. So we have to replace that with other real dopamine rewards like sport/socialising or any achievements.

And the more we remind ourselves life can be more fulfilling in natural ways post addiction, the easier it is to stay on track IMO.

 

Do you ever doubt the process? Or if it will bring you back to the point where you’re not so numb?

 

Do I doubt the reboot process?

Not at all, on the few good streaks I've had the benefits are always quite clear. Eventually things that are normally boring, such as reading, small social interactions, or appreciating the outdoors, all become more enjoyable, more dopamine-producing I guess?

From what I've read though, it can take many months to get to the point where one is content with all the real life experiences, over the virtual hyper-dopamine ones.

This has been about a year for me trying nofap though, and the way I was a year ago was very different (much worse), so the process even in small stages has my faith!

 

Thanks for the answer, I’ve been at it for 3 years and only hit a month three times, the rest are a week or less :/ wish me luck and give me strength to go on forever! Peace love and positivity to you brother!

 

I am on day 58 of 90 days, I have tried and tried to get this far but never made it over 5 years or so. Previously the longest was, 30 days. The reason you keep on failing is because you are not making a DECISION/COMMITMENT to quit it for GOOD. Make a unbreakable promise to never fap/watch porn again. Become celibate for 90 days and every time you have the feeling/urge, remember you are never doing it again. Once you do this, it is very easy to go as long as I have now. I will make it to 90 days and I have quit it for good because I decided it was not good for my life and my goals.

The benefits are amazing, I have not got all of them yet, but I was pretty messed up before so it will take time. Also when you have the urge, get the heck out of your house and go run, or drive somewhere else away from the computer.

Good Luck and make the commitment to yourself and better your life!

 

For me I remember the deep, deep depression and despair that hits me about a day after relapse. I never want to feel that again. When I relapse, I quickly forgive myself and recognise that this is a minor set back in getting rid of the addiction. I immediately recommit to nofap, and try to identify why I relapsed this time. Was I stressed? If so, how could I have controlled my stress levels better next time? Was I lonely? If so, could I have called a friend or gone out to the gym instead?

Basically be gentle with yourself, and then think of strategies to shore up the weaknesses that led to relapse. Do this straight away and whatever you do, don't binge.

 

I posted this on someone else's journal yesterday, maybe it's of use to you:

I don't know if this applies to you, but it applies to me: when I think about what day I'm on too much I tend to eventually get over-confident and think I'm winning the battle with PMO or something. Then I'm prone to relapsing.

On my current streak I'm not thinking about the days much. I'm trying to only think about the number of figures, for example 10 days means double figures, 100 days means triple figures etc.

And I'm not thinking of this as a battle to win or anything, I'm just staying away from danger (anything that could lead to PMO like P subs etc.) and trying to take care of myself and my moods (with my moods this can be like a full-time job lol)

 

Thanks man, I hope you get the best out of your recovery! It's not always the longer streaks, but continually trying to give up the bad habits and replace them with good ones that helps.

I'm just trying to get to a month right now. I can understand how difficult it can be to get there, so you have achieved a great task a few times now, keep adapting and overcome this addiction

 

Keep yourself occupied, surround yourself with good people, read books, gym or running.

When the urges hit you, remind yourself that it will only lead to temporary relief.

 

Thanks for sharing this, inspired me and others I'm sure.

And that's the best way to deal with an urge by far. Get away from the computer or wherever the temptation is. We must physically remove ourselves from the area and go outside, it works!

 

One day at a time, peace love and positivity to you brother