You’re trying to get free from a porn problem, but it seems like an awfully long slog in front of you, especially if you're just getting started.
So the often asked question that is common for folks in this position: “How long will it take to break my porn addiction?”
It’s a natural sentiment, because we want instant freedom. But the problem didn’t develop instantly, and the freedom from the addiction likely won’t be instant either. And as human beings we're very prone to overestimate what we can do in the short term, and underestimate what we can do in the long term.
Keep that in mind as you work towards this extremely important, and worthwhile goal.
But lets talk about a reasonable timeframe.
Need help stopping? Here are the best porn blocking services for 2023.
Covenant Eyes Software and NordLayer DNS Filtering: Covenant Eyes provides accountability software that covers URLs and images, as well as blocking options, and lots of resources for helping you quit porn.
NordLayer allows you to implement network-wide filtering, and is a much more comprehensive blocking option, with added security measures and more extensive configuration options. It's effective for both homes and businesses.
How long does it take to break a porn a porn addiction? (the quick answer)
It varies from one person to the next on how long the process will take to break a porn addiction. There are testimonials ranging from 30 days to one year. Often the length of time of the addiction before trying to quit, will influence the amount of time it takes to achieve freedom.
Testimonials ranging from 30 days to one year.
But, the more severe your addiction, the longer it will take to break.
Factors that impact the length of time it will take
Several factors influence the length of time it will take to break this addiction.
1. Length of time addicted
As I mentioned above, how long you’ve been addicted to porn will likely weigh significantly on the amount of time it will take for you to break the addiction. Your brain will need time to go through a Dopamine reset.
Dopamine is the chemical released in your brain when you experience stimulation and pleasure. As I wrote about in my last article, 8 Signs of a Pornography Addiction, pornography screws up your body’s normal Dopamine responses and pushes the boundaries by forcing more and more stimulative experiences in order to get the hit from a Dopamine rush.
So your brain is going to need time to rest and heal, getting back to normal Dopamine levels and responses.
2. Use of Accountability Structures
The other major influence on the time it takes to break a porn addiction is your willingness to be held accountable. We highly recommend using some form of accountability software such as Covenant Eyes.
It’s a great way to harness the power of peer to peer accountability.
Check them out here: Covenant Eyes.
Things you can do to shorten the time frame
Here are some things you can do to potentially shorten the time frame of breaking this addiction.
Take up some new activities
You need to replace the time you spent watching porn with a different activity. Maybe this means starting up a new hobby. What interests you? What do you like doing?
Reconnect with friends
Being back in positive social settings with real people is a part of the healing process, and the sooner you engage in this, the sooner your brain will start rewiring itself by the influence of solid, real interactions.
Get an Accountability Measure in Place
Get more familiar with accountability software. Here’s an article we wrote that addresses this and can be a real help to you: What is accountability software? Simple Explanation.
What if it's "not working"?
Quitting your porn addiction cold turkey will not be easy and will likely take some time.
What if your attempts to quit aren’t working?
Simple advice: Don’t give up.
It is worth it to keep fighting.
Recognize your triggers: What are you doing, where are you, and when in the day are you most susceptible to a relapse? Come up with a plan to keep battling this thing. The rewards on the side of freedom are totally worth it.
Conclusion
Breaking your porn addiction won’t happen instantly. For most of us it takes anywhere from 30 days to a year, depending on how long we’ve been addicted.
Even then, we have to guard against relapse.
We want to encourage you to come up with a plan, use accountability measures, and stay in this fight even when you experience a setback. It’s worth it to win this one.
Raise your shields, friends, and leave questions or thoughts in the comments section below.
