(*Testimonial – name redacted for privacy)
There was a time when my life was filled with secrets and shadows. As a senior in high school, I was supposed to be enjoying some of the best years of my life, but instead, I found myself trapped in a cycle of shame and secrecy. My addiction to pornography was something I kept hidden from everyone—my friends, my family, and even myself. The more I indulged in it, the more I pulled away from the people I cared about. It felt like I was living two lives: the one everyone else saw and the one I was desperately trying to keep hidden.
As my addiction grew, I began to notice the ways it was affecting my life. I stopped participating in activities I used to love, like playing on the soccer team and hanging out with my friends after school. It wasn’t just that I was spending more time alone; it was that I didn’t feel like I deserved to be around others. The shame was overwhelming, and I was convinced that if anyone found out, they would think less of me, or worse, abandon me completely.
My relationships started to deteriorate. I became distant and withdrawn, missing out on social events and slowly isolating myself from my friends. They noticed the change in me, but I couldn’t bring myself to explain what was going on. I was afraid of their judgment and didn’t know how to ask for help. Every day felt like I was sinking further into a pit I couldn’t escape.
It wasn’t until I hit rock bottom that I realized I couldn’t do it on my own. That’s when I found the Valor group. I remember walking into my first meeting, feeling terrified but also a flicker of hope. The Valor group was different from anything I had ever experienced before. It was a group of guys who understood exactly what I was going through, who had been where I was, and who were committed to helping each other heal.
Through the support of the Valor group, I began to understand the psychological patterns behind my addiction. I learned that I wasn’t alone and that there was a way out. The group provided me with tools and strategies to overcome my addiction, but more importantly, they gave me a safe space to talk about my struggles without fear of judgment. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I could be myself—flaws and all—and still be accepted.
As I worked through the program, I began to notice changes in myself. The fog of shame that had clouded my life for so long started to lift. I reconnected with my friends, started participating in activities again, and began to feel a sense of peace I hadn’t known in years. My relationships improved, not just because I was more present, but because I was more open and honest. I wasn’t hiding anymore, and that made all the difference.
Today, I can honestly say that overcoming my addiction has changed my life. I feel stronger, more confident, and more in control of my future. The Valor group didn’t just help me break free from my addiction; they helped me reclaim my life. I’m no longer living in the shadows, and I’m excited about what the future holds. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this experience, it’s that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. And for anyone else struggling with the same issues, I want you to know that there is hope. The Valor group saved my life, and I believe it can save yours too.
Family Strategies Counseling Center has been actively serving clients since 2000, specializing in the treatment of pornography addiction and sexually compulsive behavior. Our SABR program for adults, Tribe for college students, and Valor group for teens offer comprehensive support for those seeking recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling, don't hesitate to reach out. Give us a call at (800) 614-8142 or visit our website for more information: Family Strategies. There's hope, and help is just a phone call away.
