I remember the day I finally admitted to myself that I had a problem with pornography. Living on campus and trying to keep it hidden was exhausting. I was terrified of what would happen if people found out. My parents had always believed in me, and I knew they'd be disappointed—maybe even angry. Then there were my friends, people who saw me as someone who had it all together. If they found out, I’d be mortified. And my roommate? He was my closest friend on campus. I didn’t know how he’d react, but I was certain things wouldn’t be the same.
The thought of losing everything I’d worked for was real. I was even watching porn at work sometimes, knowing it could get me fired if anyone found out. But the shame was overwhelming, and I couldn’t bring myself to talk to anyone. The fear of judgment kept me silent.
Eventually, I reached a breaking point. One night, after weeks of wrestling with my own thoughts, I decided I couldn’t keep this to myself any longer. I found the courage to go to a campus counselor. Saying it out loud was terrifying, but I needed help. The counselor listened without judgment and then recommended Valor, a group specializing in pornography addiction.
Walking into my first Valor session was nerve-wracking. Part of me still feared what people would think if they knew I was there. But the minute I started talking, I felt a strange sense of relief. There, I could be honest about what I was going through without feeling like I was a bad person. The people at Valor understood. They taught me so much about addiction and helped me see that I wasn’t alone—that I wasn’t the only one dealing with something like this.
The support from Valor gave me the strength to keep pushing forward. Through sessions and group discussions, I learned to confront my shame and replace it with hope. I built a support system I never thought I’d have, and the relief I felt was like a weight being lifted from my shoulders.
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 group for young men, can help you! Give us a call at (800) 614-8142 or visit our website for more information: https://familystrategies.org/tribe.html.
