*The name of this individual has been redacted to protect his privacy.
 

For years, I struggled silently with a deep sense of shame and failure. As a practicing Catholic, I attended Mass faithfully, prayed the Rosary daily, and sought healing through confession. But no matter how many times I confessed my addiction to pornography, the cycle of sin and guilt remained unbroken. I was embarrassed to keep confessing the same sin over and over and began to feel like my prayers were falling on deaf ears.

I believed God had abandoned me or, worse, that I was unworthy of His grace. But then, through SABR, I discovered that God wasn’t asking me to be rescued from this struggle—He was calling me to grow through it.

I’ll never forget the day I decided to stop going to confession. It wasn’t because I didn’t believe in the sacrament—it was because I was tired of admitting the same failing over and over. Each time I knelt in the confessional, I felt like a fraud. I prayed the Rosary fervently, hoping Mary’s intercession would break the chains of addiction, but nothing changed.

My faith, once the cornerstone of my life, began to feel hollow. I questioned whether I was even worthy to receive communion. The shame of my secret life grew heavier, and I withdrew from the Church community, feeling isolated and defeated.

Joining SABR was a turning point. At first, I was hesitant, worried that admitting my struggles to others would bring even more shame. But instead, I found relief. The program provided me with practical tools to address my addiction—tools I had never been taught before. I learned how to identify triggers, set boundaries, and develop accountability.

More importantly, SABR helped me understand the deeper roots of my addiction and how to heal from them. I discovered that my struggle wasn’t just a moral failing; it was a complex issue requiring both spiritual and practical solutions. Through the program, I finally began to experience real change.

One of the most profound lessons I learned through SABR was that God wasn’t abandoning me. Instead, He was inviting me to grow. I had always prayed for God to take away my addiction, but I now realize He was asking me to trust Him enough to do the hard work of recovery.

My faith has been renewed in ways I didn’t think possible. Today, I take communion with a heart full of joy, knowing I’m walking a path of integrity. I no longer feel like a hypocrite in the pews but like someone who has truly experienced God’s mercy.

Returning to Mass and confession has been a deeply healing experience. I’ve found joy in reconnecting with my parish and participating in the sacraments. My relationship with God is no longer defined by shame but by hope and trust.

SABR didn’t just help me overcome my addiction; it helped me reclaim my faith and my identity as a Catholic man. I now have the tools I need to live a life of purpose, and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to continue growing in God’s grace.

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: Family Strategies Counseling Center.