Going a week without doing anything?

I can't really offer any advice except that I am on a week now and feel really good. The first few days were the hardest so I understand where you're coming from in that respect. I'd just say do your best mate and when one of those urges comes really try to stay strong and just think of the benefits you'll get by not doing it. Hope that helps!

 

Somewhat,

Do something else when the urges come. Anything. Definitely turn off the computer if the issue is with internet P. Pursue an already existing hobby, or start a new one. If you're so inclined, get into reading some novels by your favorite authors. If a musician, get into doing some composing. Go for walks, get into an exercise routine....whatever.

The trick is to mentally defuse what the addicted part of your brain is telling you to do. I know...all easier said then done..but on the other hand it's also surprisingly easier than expected once you head off the urges by engaging in some other activity that can keep your interest. Not sure if you're familiar with neuroplasticity, but it has to do with the ability of the brain to create different neural pathways for various actions (or for situations like compensating for an injury, etc.) Think of it in terms of 're-wiring'. Our brains, i.e. those who struggle with P and SA, are 'wired' for certain triggers and responses and have been that way for a long time. It generally dates back to our early pre-adolescent times and what specific (sexual) activities the brain linked to (often our first MB experiences and the accompanying imagery that went with it, etc.) and thus created strong pathways for.

What we need to do is to change (rewire) those long-engrained paths into ones that will NOT lead us to the same old habits and subsequent acting out. Hope that all makes some sense.

So pursue some other mental diversions and interests and then enjoy the time with your GF, and be honest with her (probably the hardest part sometimes). I don't know how old you are but I've been going around the block on all this for over 50 years and, along with the 22 years I spent on the elusive forum I've been a member of, have picked up a few things along the way. We need different "tools" in our SA recovery toolbox at different times. If a tool that has been working no longer does, then we need another approach. Our "inner addict", if you will, is unbelievably cunning and is constantly looking for ways to make us slip back into acting out. All the above having been said, I'm still here struggling along with many others! None of us has 'all the answers' nor will use the same recovery approach.

Hang in there and make it work for you. I guarantee it's worth the struggle.