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In a world where you might see many things online telling you why you should watch porn, we can share some solid reasons why you’re better off without it.
What are some benefits of quitting porn?
Not only are decades of research from respected institutions showing how harmful pornography can be to the consumer, their relationships, and our society in general, but countless personal experiences from around the world are showing this same thing, too.
If you’ve ever wondered what a difference ditching porn can make in your life, these stories are a must-read. (And a must-watch!)
Related: It’s True That “Porn Kills Love,” And So Does Shame
Some of these five individual experiences below are excerpts from our own Fighters, with one from NoFap’s blog. Read these real stories from people who have given up porn and changed their lives in the process.
We think you’ll be inspired to quit porn, or at least try going without it to see what a difference a porn-free life can be. (And in case you’re looking for a collection of stories from women who have struggled, click here.)
Keep in mind that not every person who watches porn is or will become addicted. Also, while some of the following stories discuss giving up porn as something that helped their mental health, we highly recommend talking to a mental health professional if you are struggling with mental health issues.
“The most incredible freedom”
“I cannot even begin to explain to you what freedom I have found from locking myself out of porn on my phone. I’m happy. I have never been this happy before. I’m not depressed anymore. I smile all the time. I’m full of life and energy again.
Being free has changed my life. It has been the most beautiful thing to me. Life is so good. I hope somebody who can’t stop watching porn reads this and understands that freedom feels so good. No longer am I depressed, or lonely, or full of self-hatred. Yes, I’m single, but I don’t feel lonely. I love life now. There is hope.
I didn’t stop watching pornography for a relationship, and no one had to convince me to stop. I stopped watching for me and my well-being. I also stopped watching for women in videos who are being hurt. I will never know them, but I stopped watching for them. I stopped watching so that I don’t contribute to any videos being produced ever again.”
Watch: Dan’s Story: “I Feel Human Again” After Quitting Porn
Higher self-esteem
“It has been over a year since I cut porn completely out of my life, and the results have surprised me. I did this due to the vicarious trauma of being in a relationship with someone addicted to porn, and due to my own sobering experience with porn.
When I walk down the street I now see people as people. An overly simple statement, but let me explain.
I no longer see bits of bodies that I judge on their level of sexual attractiveness. These used to flash before me, especially directly after watching porn. I see people as human beings without objectifying them, but the main difference is that I have more respect for myself.
Related: Why I Have More Respect For Myself After Quitting Porn
I respect my body more, and I wear what I feel like wearing with confidence, without feeling like I am on display and being judged in the same way. This is more liberating than any porn I have watched.
I have had a life of an extreme amount of brutal challenges, but nothing has undone me as a woman as much as being the partner of someone obsessed with porn. Nothing.”
Improved mental health
“I went a solid six months without watching porn and I noticed how my depression was absent as well. I felt happier, life seemed very enjoyable, and I felt connected to the people around me, while before, porn had caused me to feel dehumanized to society.
Related: Why Watching Porn Can Make You Feel More Isolated, Depressed & Lonely
I battled being on and off and on again with porn, until 2013, when I truly made a breakthrough and went a full year without seeing it.
Even to this day, I have not viewed a single porn image or video. Since that day of October 24, 2013, my depression has not shown up once in my life. I’ve surrounded myself with people who remind me that I don’t need porn to find happiness or pleasure.”
“More time for real life”
“It occurred to me the other day that I really don’t have time for [porn] now. There are many more meaningful and fun things I would like to do with my time.
So have I found the relationship of my dreams? Overcome every one of my fears? Of course not. But life is so different. Eight months ago I was lost, and sinking, starting to become a shut-in apart from at work. That has all changed.
Related: True Story: I Stopped Watching Porn, And I’ve Never Been Happier
Things I’ve done in the last six months…not in any particular order:
- Joined a band (with resulting new friends).
- Enjoying meeting new people and having fun with them.
- Have focus when I need it to do work.
- Gotten seriously into a new instrument I’ve always wanted to play.
- Love music again. This was the love of my life, and I had forgotten all about it.
- Fittest I’ve ever been (many people remark, wtf have you been doing? Keep doing it!).
- Lots more comfortable around women, actually had a few crazy nights, people coming back… but no sex… yet.
- Feel like I might just be able to do my job (this was getting out of control).
- Getting back in touch with old friends.
- Feeling the secrets start to disappear and beginning to live honestly. Feels so good. A lot more at ease with myself.
- And then there are the usual things mentioned on here—noticing beautiful things, eye contact, having more fun, having dreams again.
Overall though. I feel like I’m sort of rediscovering myself. Finally growing up, after having been stuck for about seven years. I’ve missed out on some things. That’s the funniest thing—speaking to my friends I’m back in touch with, I now see what I missed out on years ago.”
Interest in a relationship, not just sex
“I can’t tell you all how much happier I am since I’ve stopped watching porn.
I’ve been single a long time and still am, but I’m actually interested in finding something special in a girl instead of just sex. I can’t say enough how much I love what you guys are doing, seeing your page and liking it is what made me quit. I was so unhappy with my life, not being able to find someone. Just waking up happy every morning is awesome. It’s like a drug, no doubt about it.
Withdrawals are pretty intense from it, but once you’re through it, you realize how awful the porn industry is. It’s so scary to think about how big the industry is.
Thank you FTND!! Keep doing what you all are doing, you’ve helped lots of people including myself.”
Related: 3 Ways Facing Shame Can Take Away Its Power & Help You Quit Porn
“I have control over my life”
“For the 10 years of my addiction, I didn’t pursue my dreams. I didn’t discover my hobbies.
For 10 years I played video games, watched tv, and watched porn. That was pretty much my life. Yes, I went out with friends and did social things, but when no one was around, that’s all I did. Now that porn is out of my life, I can pursue my dreams again. Before porn, I used to love writing. I abandoned writing for the high that pornography provided. With my extra time, I’m beginning to write again.
I’m reading a lot too. Reading helps me grow and develop into a better a person. Reading and writing are helping me live the life I want to live.
Related: This Study Shows Feeling Shame Fuels Hypersexual Behavior While Feeling Guilt Fuels Change
I don’t have many regrets in my life, but if I’m being honest, I do have just one. I regret letting porn overtake my life and my time. I can’t begin to describe how much I want the last decade back.
The relationships I could have had and the growth I could have experienced. Porn prohibited me from having any real relationships. By taking up hundreds and hundreds of hours of my life, porn stunted me from growing as a person. I cry every time I think about the decade that porn addiction stole from me. I cry for what I lost. At the same time, I cry for my escape. I cry tears of joy knowing I’ve won.
Porn no longer has any control over me. Porn no longer has any place in my life.
For 10 years I was addicted. Those 10 years of my life were wasted. Those 10 years of my life vanished before my eyes. I thought I’d never get out, but because of Fight the New Drug, I’m free. I’m finally free from porn. And I’m NEVER going back.”
Watch: One Man’s TEDx Talk On Why He Gave Up Porn For Good
A movement of hope
Whether you’ve been watching it for two months or twenty years, or you think you might be addicted to porn, this fact remains the same: porn is trash and you deserve so much better. Try quitting porn today, and see what benefits you experience!
Because of neuroplasticity, our brains constantly change in healthy ways that help us learn and complete tasks more efficiently. Yet, supernormal stimuli such as porn can trigger measurable changes that can influence our lives in unhealthy ways.
Related: 10 Reasons Why Porn Is Trash And You Deserve Better
Regardless of how long anyone has struggled with porn, recovery is more than possible—it is biological. And regardless of how you might feel about yourself or someone else watching porn, someone’s porn habit does not make them a “bad” person or undeserving of love.
We don’t think porn is worth your time or your attention because life can be so much healthier without it. Don’t believe us? Try going one month without porn and see what happens.
And if you need a little support, we’ve got your back.
Need help?
For those reading this who feel they are struggling with pornography, you are not alone. Check out Fortify, a science-based recovery platform dedicated to helping you find lasting freedom from pornography. Fortify now offers a free experience for both teens and adults. Connect with others, learn about your unwanted porn habit, and track your recovery journey. There is hope—sign up today.
Fight the New Drug may receive financial support from purchases made using affiliate links.
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