We get this sentiment expressed to us all the time:

I just feel broken and I don’t know if there is any way to fix it.

This is a sad statement that most everyone can identify with, especially those who are struggling with an addiction. When dealing with pornography, it may seem to the addict that there is just no going back after the countless hours of putting that stuff into their brain. 

We know pornography affects our mental and emotional health. But while porn addiction does do damage to our brains, it is not permanent. Think of it just as any other part of the human body—with time, it always heals. Sometimes it just needs a little help. Think of a broken arm or leg. While it is a nasty injury, all we need is time, patience, and of course a good doctor to put us in a cast. 

Our understanding of how the brain works and the treatment of mental health is growing by day. In the past, things like addiction or depression have always been seen as personal weakness. The idea of, if you try harder you can just grit your teeth and get over it.

In today’s society, we know that’s just not how it works. Does that “white-knuckle” philosophy work with someone who just shattered their femur? Of course not. And we are learning that mental obstacles, like addiction, are just the same.

The fact is our brains can heal from the damage done by porn but they need a little help to get there. Just think of it like giving your body the time for bones to mend and scars to fade. Here are three tips to help this healing take place as smoothly as possible.

Grab Some Crutches

You can’t put all of your weight on a sprained ankle, so you need something to keep you standing. Think of the old song, we all need somebody to lean on. Find some people that you can rely on and accept their support. Friends, family or anyone that will help get to where you need to be will be instrumental in your recovery. Accountability partners play the exact same role as a faithful set of crutches. They are there for you when you fall and will always help you get back up. Use these support systems when you’re feeling hurt and you’ll be back up and running in no time.

Take Your Medicine

Porn may have spent a long time going to work on your mind, and it’s going to take some work to reverse the process. An addict’s lifestyle is often constructed to support their habit, even if they don’t consciously realize it. You need to drastically reformulate how you live your life so it supports your recovery, not your addiction. This is called self-care. It is basically having a concrete plan and a daily routine that keeps you on track. Keep to the schedule and you’ll be on the path to full health. Deviate from it and you’ll be back in a mental wheelchair in no time.

Try some of these helpful meds:

- Get good sleep and wake up at a respectable time.
- Read a motivational quote to start your day.
- Try to eat healthier.
- Stay active.
- Stay social.
- Identify and avoid triggers.
- Lower social media usage and other unnecessary screen time.

All these forms of healthy self-medicating promote positive growth in your life. Veteran Fortifiers often sit down and schedule every minute of their day until they begin to build truly positive habits.

Strengthen Your Immune System

In this digital age, we will never fully be able to get out of pornography’s reach, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to put up the biggest barrier possible. Work with the people closest to you to establish internet protection and lower access on all your devices. Remain accountable to them and stay honest. Admitting you have a problem is a big first step. Know your weaknesses and work on strengthening them. Know where your trouble areas are and avoid/eliminate them all together.

Put yourself in an environment where you have the space to heal and people who want to see back on your feet. The steps toward recovery aren’t always easy, but they are totally worth feeling 100%. 

Reprinted from Fortifyprogram.com

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