One night last week, I had a really hard time and was about to give in. Just then, I reminded myself to try one of the tools that GYE suggests. I exercised for around ten minutes and no longer felt the urge to act out. A couple of minutes later, I couldn't believe I had gotten so close! It made me realize that no matter how high I'm holding, it is always possible to fall, and I can't trust myself too much. Therefore, I always need tools and guidelines for moments of weakness.

Someone wrote:

My day was stressful, with occasional bursts of desire. Life carries on. I just wish there were simple answers.

Dov Replies:

In dealing with bursts of desire, Davening and getting busy are the main on-the-spot tools I know of, but slowly having our motivations change and simplifying our awareness of Hashem over time in recovery is the real key, in the end.

And anyway - even in the end - there will still be times of occasional bursts. We're addicts, after all.

And the answer to them will need to be "Burst Schmurst!" and "Keep On Trucking"... we can outlast any burst (or schmurst, for that matter).

What I found amazing was being introduced to a brand new, life changing way of thinking. I was able to see, with the help of HKB"H and sponsor Steve, a world of resentments and fears transform before my eyes ( poof! ) to a world of beauty and joy, serenity and closeness to HKB"H. With a small, yet powerful change of perspective, interactions with others that formally caused so much pain, become spiritual experiences that bring us up close and personal with our Creator. Why would I want to flee from such a world and drown myself in lust? With enough practice, I can see how it would never even occur to me to do that again.

Do you have a problem with obsessive and compulsive porn use? Have you seriously tried the tools on GYE and feel that you are not getting better? Maybe it’s time to consider joining a 12-Step program.

Porn Anonymous (PA)
If you’re compulsively acting-out with pornography and masturbation we suggest you explore joining Porn Anonymous (PA). If you need help deciding whether to join PA, call Michael at 347-699-2368, or email help@pornanonymous.org to schedule a time to talk. For more information visit pornanonymous.org (Hebrew: p-a.org.il / Yiddish: pa-yid.org).

Sexaholics Anonymous (SA)
If your compulsive acting-out has progressed beyond the screen (with other people, paid sexual services, etc.) we suggest you explore joining Sexaholics Anonymous (SA). To figure out if SA is for you, call Dov at 917-414-8205, or email Dov at dov@guardyoureyes.org to schedule a time to talk. For more information visit www.sa.org.