I feel I have become addicted to porn so I wish to abstain from it and masturbation for a period of time. I don't know how long is appropriate but I want to try at least a week at first if not a month. My main issue I feel is not necessarily the porn but the way it has been a crutch to keep me isolated from the task of finding a partner. Porn has never gotten in the way of any relationship I have had but always served as a fall back when I am alone. Unfortunately, in a number of ways, it drastically reduces the likelihood I have in finding a partner and I feel it is necessary to abstain to better acclimate my sexuality to coupling with someone who I care about. At the moment, I commit to abstaining from porn or masturbation for a week, maybe a month, so I may have a more clear understanding of how this has affected my personal life and my willingness (or ability) to seek out someone I care for and enjoy for her company.
It's a good start. I suggest you read up on withdrawal and urges. https://www.yourbrainonporn.com/what-does-withdrawal-from-porn-look-like and https://www.nofap.com/porn-addiction/ and https://www.nofap.com/rebooting/ . Most people start feeling strong urges by day 7, and it will help to be prepared.
as you go through the full reboot you'll realize the many ways in which porn has been affecting your life, something that cant be understood until it is experienced. would encourage you to not think short term, real benefits come from long challenges. im at 6-7 weeks and still realizing so many things about my pre-nofap life
Thanks for your response, sparky. It's going OK on day 3 so far but it's still pretty early. I appreciate the resources you provided. They should be helpful in understanding what to expect and how to remain conscious of those risks going forward. Ultimately, something has to change because the way my mind and body felt the day before day 0 was no longer sustainable or fulfilling. ps129, I have had previous issues with addiction so I know nothing comes instantly and there will be many tests of my resolve going forward. But I cannot go back to the way things were. Although I still feel somewhat depressed and low on energy, bear in mind this isn't altogether different from how I felt when I was jerking it multiple times a day just last week. I'm working on some behavioral changes in the next week to engage in alternative activities that will (hopefully) prove more rewarding and healthy for whole body and mental health.
