Up until this point in all my streaks, I don't think I've ever had a point (at least as long as I can remember) that I've actually doubted the streak and a reboot as a whole. But last night I was searching the internet outside of Reddit and the forums about the effects of pornography and I found some sources talking about how pornography either didn't change the brain like NoFap says it does, or NoFap really doesn't have any benefits and doesn't change anything. Now of course it's up to you to decide what you believe and what information you reject and what you accept, but for whatever reason the fear and doubt began to elevate inside me. Today I spent most of the day with this huge fear that was probably the most scared I've been in a while, questioning if no PMO was really doing anything for me and if I should even bother continuing. I even got tempted to relapse, but of course I did not. But all in all, have you guys ever doubted the process and benefits during your streak? And have the benefits you've received from NoFap outweighed any doubts you once had?
Yes I had doubts before but then I always remember how I felt since I started to watch porn and how much it hurts me and the effect it had in my life so I just don't put any attention to that kind of information. At the end it's just how you perceive the way porn acts on you... many people don't have a problem with it and can watch it without any problem but I'm not one of those so I choose to stay away from something harmful to me.
Nothing good ever comes from doing it, only destruction. Ask yourself if you’ve ever felt proud of yourself after pmo. My life was a lot better before getting addicted. Your probably just in a low period of recovery, I’m somewhat in the same place though I have positive changes happening that are undeniable. We just use it as an escape from the pain of reality. “Let reality be reality” (funnily this was an old fortune cookie note I found in my room today)
I have had my days of believing and disbelieving. i have looked at counterpoints as well. I think the problem with NOFAP is not the idea behind it, but the presentation. There is talk about superpowers, there is mention that porn and masturbation MUST lead to certain things, people mix the nofap ideas with their religious fervour and esoteric beliefs, etc. All that makes one have doubts. Then, on the other hand, what else are you supposed to do when you realise that you have a problem with porn other than stopping to watch it? Also, I have had positive results, my erections got better and I started to ejaculate from sex again.
I think it all comes down to dopamine..... If you approach NoFap with a science mind regarding dopemine and abuse of it through porn, and how reboot will resensitize you and start the receptors making dopamine again, it all makes sense, and it weeds out the fanatical. I don’t think it even is just a porn problem... Flatline can happen via abuse of heroin, alcohol and gambling through extended over-flooding of dopamine I myself prob used sexting, phone chat way more than looking at porn. What I do know is that I flooded my brain with dopamine on a daily basis (to cope with trauma and anxiety in my case) My brain, trying to reach balance ‘homeostasis’(which is what the brain and body are always trying to achieve) shut down a lot of the production of dopamine, thinking that it was producing to much The body does a similar thing if you give a male testosterone injections, the body shuts down a lot of its own, which is why you get tiny balls What happened near the end of my dopamine addiction was as my brain stopped producing as much, I had to up my game, sexting multiple people whilst looking at trans porn etc I had no idea what was actually happening, but I instinctly knew my body was shutting down Then flatline......... And all the shit things that come with it Adhd symptoms, depression, lack of drive, extreme anxiety, and of course ED All lack of dopamine I know I can’t go back to sexting and porn etc The reason is scientific not moral (morally I believe it’s bad cos of exploitation, but that’s just my opinion, and has nothing to do with pied, and won’t help my problem) Years ago I worked with a gambling addict.... He was fairly young when he developed ED, someone at work gave him EDpills to try, he came back next day with exaggerated stories, and I knew it hadn’t worked, I gave it no thought until recently, I believe he had the same problem I have now I can’t go back to porn etc because I have developed (over years) these super neural highways in my brain to flood myself with dopamine..... The answer is to not use those highways and develop new healthy ones Cuddling, kissing, weight training, hobbies etc It’s why sometimes fantasy and unhealthy ways to get dopamine can put someone back in flatline, it’s the brain trying to get homeostasis again So yes I believe Nofap works 100%, but it’s not a moral thing, and there aren’t superpowers bestowed I want my dopamine back
Not really, only the energy levels itself is a tremendous difference for me. I'm not superman after a 100-day streak, but I am a better me. It's worth it for me, hope you will see it as well later in the future.
if you doubt NoFap then answer this (no science needed): imagine twins.. one lived in PMO-induced guilt/shame daily and then other didn't.. who is more likely to develop a healthy mentality and reach their goals? On the other hand, who is more likely to acquire a defeatist attitude to life? Don't believe everything you read. Just like the brain tries to trick you it tries to trick these people to justify PMO
For me, the biggest doubts I've ever had in giving something up is quite simply, F.O.M.O. (Fear of missing out). Why am I missing out on the euphoric feeling of orgasm that so many others are able to still enjoy daily? These thoughts and questions will creep in from time to time. They are all lies. Do not allow temptation to take hold. I believe that orgasm is meant to be shared in love and within the confines of marriage. Anything outside of that is opening your heart and mind up to sexual immorality and impurity. Don't put your trust in man and his schemes. Put your trust in the Lord. He designed you and he knows what is best for you. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day!
Even if it had no effect on the brain at all I wouldn't want this disgusting habit in my life. You're in a mental war and doubting the efficacy of NoFap is like taking your iron helmet off and inviting the enemy to club you in the head.
There are moments of self doubt, but these are outweighed by all the extra time I have to do more production things. I also know that by staying away from porn, there's no chance of me looking at ever more questionable material as a tolerance starts to build up. That's enough to keep me away from it.
I believe there are a group of people who are just cynical about any thing you can possibly think about. There are always advantages and disadvantages involved in certain habits but it it doesn't make them totally bad it all depends on your own beliefs. Even though the promises offered at times may seem a bit exagerated but there was a time in my life I had spent 3 months without porn coupled with building other healthy beneficial habits such as sleeping on time, meditation and so on, believe me when I say I really experienced what I would not have believed If any any other person told me..The reality is that just trying to quit porn without replacing it with healthy beneficial habits makes you feel like all this promises are a hoax
The disadvantages far outweigh the good. I cannot think of one benefit of PMO, can you name just one?
I mistakenly posted without completing my write up. Don't misunderstand me I am not in support of porn as a matter fact isn't that why we are here in the first place