Hello, I joined NoFap because I am a porn addict that seeks to recover. I am a 16-year-old boy in Junior Year. I had dreams. In fact, I wanted to go to an Ivy League school but PMO enticed me at a young age that I started slacking off because of that. I did not put my best effort in everything and I also lacked confidence in many things that I do. I remember the number of hours wasted because of them spent on PMO. My grades, as a result, deteriorated and so did my self-esteem. For those who are younger than me, I wish they would see this and avoid PMO at all costs. Reflecting on my naivety, I feel really bad like I could not believe how stupid I was to be enticed to PMO. Nonetheless, I just want to ask Fapstronauts, especially those that recovered while they were in high school or college, did you regret the time (social, academic, personal, etc.) wasted that you devoted to PMO? If so, how did you get over this regret? I am still in the process of trying to accept what was already done but I cannot. P.S. I have no idea how to pose a question without starting a new thread. If you can help me, please do so. I would really really appreciate it!
Hi Thanks for being here. Welcome! Leaving an addictive habit is not an easy job, but .... it will be fully worth it. So... get some knowledge, read stories, let yourself encouraged by others. You are not alone in this. So connecting to others is a clue as well! And don't forget to create a journal. Writing about your daily stuff may really help you to process the issues. Good luck!
Hey Bremner's, Welcome to the NoFap community! There is a thread dedicated to getting quick responses for short questions. I'm out of college, so I can't speak to your specific situation, but I think that you just have to fill your time with activities and hobbies that distract you from your past. Also remember that dwelling on your past mistakes isn't going to help you at all. Feel free to message me or anyone else here if you have any questions or if you just want to talk. Best of luck during your reboot. Again, Welcome!
Hey @Bremner's , You can post your questions on this thread. Hopefully this will answer some of your questions: There is so much support on this forum, the profiles and the various groups. It works if you work it. I don't offer advise. I offer only my ESH (experience, strength and hope). Work it? Oh yeah. There's work to be done, that's what's worked for me. Two things I've found necessary. 1. I had to Learn the NoFap Program. 2. Getting involved with the community on here was vital to help my recovery. Learn the NoFap Program The resources listed on the "New Users: List of Rebooting Resources" helped me find my way around the reasons behind the program and the terms used. They are: Download the free Getting Started guide. Set up a PMO-Counter Badge. More info here! Basic introduction to the science of porn addiction! Basic information about rebooting and how our challenges can help you recover from PMO. This is the most important page to read. If you only can read one page, read this one. About NoFap. Watch this video - it is an epic intro resource if you want to get particular details about porn addiction and how it changes how your brain works. This is a good light-weight video about porn addiction. Read through the journal sections and see what other rebooters have experienced. It is good to know what to expect, otherwise the "chaser effect", "the surge", or the "flatline" might throw you off. If you come across vocabulary that you can't understand, check out our rebooting glossary of terms. GET ACCOUNTABLE FOR YOUR HABITS! Sign up for a peer accountability partner. Otherwise if you want more professional-hosted solutions, check out NoFap Premium or Reboot Camp. If you can afford to invest in yourself, these are great options. You can find this same list on the top of the forum you posted this message on at - the "New to NoFap" forum. Get Involved with the Community The community has been my lifeline. I've found journals I love, people who are very supportive and a place where I could get to work helping in a small way others. I'm nobody important around here. Just a normal user with no magic powers. But, I can:Read Journals, and comment when I have ESH Find people I admire and stay in touch via their profiles Pick a forum and make sure evvery post gets and answer. I can't answer them all, but that's good - different opinions make for a better group. Post in my journal (I could be better at it - but I do milestone posts at least) To make a journal go to the section listed by age and start one. Keep all your journal posts in one thread. But, for random thoughts, you can create a new thread. Looking forward to seeing you around on the forums, - L PS - Think of pmo like a wolf. Stay near the center of the group with the winners and the wolf has a more difficult time finding you. But, stray near the edges of the community and the wolf can pick you off.
Hi Bremner.You have taken the right steps with us to change for the better.I started this journey 2 weeks ago as I too am sick of all the time I have wasted and opportunities I missed connecting with others. I have already seen benefits from no pmo.Good luck with rebooting!
Hi Brem, I also regret the many hours spent/wasted on PMO - that's actually one of my key motivating factors in being here and traversing the road to recovery. I can say to you that at 16 and acknowledging + seeking help & recovery you're doing great. Took me 16 years just to realize that the habit is as damaging as it is. (to be clear, nothing wrong with masturbation, it's the habitualization of it that's dangerous) - so, point is, you're on the right track. Well done!