The phenomenon of Flatlining is discussed extensively on various internet addiction resources and forums.

Flatline is a period of decreased or absent libido following the initial withdrawal from pornography. Flatlining starts several days or weeks after initial withdrawal from pornography and can last several weeks or months. The complete lack of sexual desire during this period can convince a person that he has overcome his addiction and he returns back to his "old normal." However, after a couple of weeks or months, the flatline abruptly ends and libido comes back roaring. If the person is unprepared, he is bound to fall again and repeat the vicious cycle.

In my own experience, the "flatline end" is very dangerous and one must be fully prepared for it.

A Member Deals with Flatlining

By Joe (great writer!)

My first 30 days were easy. I was inspired by the challenge and my new-found freedom.

My body was releasing endorphin's just by staying clean. It was a natural drug. I would silently roam among fellow fallible humans and hold my head high, I was cured.

But then reality set in. I started to descend from the natural high of embarking on a secret challenge to reset my neural pathways. And now, 64 days into my quest, and I feel the constant struggle of reverting back to my default habits of pressing the "pleasure" button to wallow in a transient ecstasy for a few minutes.

If only I could race through this challenge faster than the speed of sound, using my afterburners for thrust, passing beacons of time with the swift resolve of a soul set on fire, a soul not tempted by the base drives of mortal men.

But that's not where the gold is. The essence of G-d doesn't flaunt its aura among the open spaces of a soul untethered. It's in the dark recesses of our struggle, in the conflicted moments of our pain, that we can uncover the gold, the very essence of G-ds kindness and divine assistance.

So now the challenge begins. This is the point in time when the inspiration fades and I rely on the momentum of my firm commitment to do this, just one single day at a time.

And then, when the light has dimmed from my eyes, I will dig, deep, into my soul and find the inner resolve not to succumb to the desires of my inborn animal, because G-d is walking by my side. Every single moment in time!

It doesn't really matter how long you can stay clean for. The question is, why do you keep doing it if you don't want to? This is an indication that you may have some level of addiction. Now there are many levels of addiction, and some of the lighter tools on GYE can help for lighter levels of addiction (see the video on the homepage - blue, orange and red levels).

If you find that you don't act out when around other people, then make sure to stay connected! Indeed, many studies show that the opposite of addiction is not sobriety - the opposite of addiction is CONNECTION. See this video clip from TED for more on this amazing principle.

Someone wrote:

How do I reveal to my wife what I’m going through and get her to agree to let me join the SA groups?

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.