Porn addiction is one of the more common addiction that we encounter today. With such an easy access to pornographic sites and other material it has become a part of the normal chores that we engage in and it all seems so fascinating! With such a wide variety and unleashed expression of sex its hard to draw a line, which then leads to addiction. This addiction knowingly or unknowingly hampers with our daily functioning to an extend that it starts controlling the mind. Thus it is hard to stop thinking about it. Banning porn, a step taken by our government recently is an easy way out. But is that the right solution? When alcohol and smoking is legal, why are porn sites banned? Just because they don’t add to our government’s kitty?
We are a mature population. Instead of curbing the liberty of citizens, we should get over this addiction through self control. In such a scenario a few tips can be helpful to get out of this addiction:
- Recognize and avoid the triggers: It is important to recognize the situations that urges us to watch porn. Avoiding that situation can be a way to overcome. For example if being alone prompts one to watch porn, it is essential that one avoids being alone. So making a change in the immediate environment and being around people would be of help.
- Change the thoughts: A lot can be changed with a change in the thinking patterns. A simple example can be: A thought like “I feel bored, there is nothing to do so lets watch porn for pass time” can be replaces by “I am bored lets go for a walk.” Conscious efforts to change the way one thinks is necessary. Repeated exposure to porn when bored can condition the brain to associate boredom with porn therefore it is important to break this habit. This can change with the way we think.
- Cut off the sources: Once we do not have access to the source there are less changes of getting tempted. This can be done by either cleaning the PC, destroying DVDs that contain porn, limiting internet access, erasing it from the phone.
- Keep the brain engaged: Keeping oneself busy can be a useful tool in reducing addiction to porn. This will help keep the mind occupied in other things limiting the thought of watching porn to come back. Activities like solving puzzles, reading novels or anything that makes one feel relaxed and happy can be a good start.
- Make a list of reasons to quit watching porn. Make a note of how watching porn has been affecting the daily functioning and also make a list of what will be the positive outcomes of avoiding porn. Also make a list of things you want to focus on instead and go through it one by one.
- Self-talk is a good idea. No one but only we can motivate ourselves hence motivating self talks is a total yes. For example “I will crack the exam this time, I wont be distracted with any other things.” Saying the goal out loud and repeating it can help keep up the motivation.
- Channelize the energy effectively: If the body needs to release (masturbate), try to do so in a clean way without looking at any pornographic images. Masturbation is normal but if it affects the normal day to day functioning then it needs to be controlled. Engaging in physical exercises like gym, running can help channelize the energy in a more productive way.
- Take it slow: Don’t be too harsh on yourself if in case of relapse. Understand quitting in the first attempt is difficult, accept the reality. Don’t spend time in worrying, get ready for the next try. It okay to fail only if one is still willing to try again.
