(Testimonial – name redacted for privacy)
For as long as I can remember, I’d struggled with pornography. It started in high school, a time when I was overwhelmed by hormones, peer pressure, and curiosity. What began as a way to escape stress and loneliness quickly became a habit I couldn't break. By the time I entered college, I felt trapped in a cycle of guilt, shame, and secrecy. The embarrassment of admitting I had a problem was overwhelming, and for a long time, I couldn't bring myself to ask for help.
When I first arrived on campus as a freshman, I thought college would be a fresh start—a place where I could reinvent myself and leave my problems behind. But the reality was far different. College life presented its own unique challenges that made my struggle with pornography even worse. The freedom of living away from home, with no parents to check up on me, only intensified my addiction. I was surrounded by people, yet I felt more isolated than ever. The stress of keeping up with classes, socializing, and adjusting to a new environment left me drained, and I often turned to pornography as a way to cope.
The campus culture didn’t help either. There was a pervasive attitude of casual acceptance toward things like partying, drinking, and hooking up. It seemed like everyone around me was indulging in something, and I felt pressured to fit in, even if it meant doing things I wasn’t comfortable with. While I tried to maintain a facade of confidence and control, inside, I was drowning. The more I indulged in my addiction, the more isolated and ashamed I felt. I knew I needed help, but I couldn’t bear the thought of anyone finding out about my secret.
The turning point came when I found the Valor group for Young Adults. At first, I was hesitant to join—afraid of being judged or exposed. But from the moment I walked in, I felt something different. The environment was welcoming, and I realized I wasn't alone in my struggles. For the first time, I found a place where I could be honest about my addiction without fear of condemnation.
Through Valor, I learned practical tools and strategies to overcome my addiction. The group taught me about the psychological triggers that kept me hooked and how to recognize and combat them. But more than just the tools, it was the support and understanding from others who had been through the same thing that made the biggest difference. Knowing that I wasn’t alone, that others had faced and conquered the same challenges, gave me the strength to keep going.
One of the most important things I learned in Valor was the power of community. In college, I had always thought that I needed to handle everything on my own, that asking for help was a sign of weakness. But Valor showed me that true strength comes from being vulnerable, from admitting that you need help and accepting it when it’s offered. The group became a safe space where I could share my struggles without fear of judgment. We held each other accountable, celebrated each other’s victories, and supported each other through setbacks.
Campus life didn’t suddenly become easier after joining Valor, but I learned how to navigate it better. I became more intentional about my choices, avoiding situations that I knew would trigger my addiction. I also started to build healthier relationships with people who supported my recovery rather than those who encouraged destructive behaviors. Over time, the tools and strategies I learned in Valor became second nature, and I found myself growing stronger and more confident each day.
Today, I feel free in a way I never thought possible. The shame and guilt that once weighed me down have lifted, replaced by a sense of peace and happiness. I'm more confident, focused, and genuinely excited about my future. Overcoming this addiction has been one of the hardest things I've ever done, but with the help of Valor, I know it's possible for anyone. For anyone struggling like I did, I want you to know that there is hope. It’s not easy, but with the right support, you can find freedom too.
Family Strategies Counseling Center has actively serviced clients since 2000 in treatment for pornography addiction or sexually compulsive behavior. Our SABR program for adults, and Valor groups for young men, can help you! Give us a call at (800) 614-8142 or visit our website for more information: Valor Group Young Adult.
