*Names and identifying information have been redacted to protect the privacy of this individual’s testimony.

There was a time when my life felt irreparably broken. Addiction to pornography had stolen my joy, wrecked my marriage, and isolated me from those I loved most. For years, I thought I could overcome it on my own. I tried everything: willpower, shame, bargaining with myself—but nothing worked. It wasn’t until I faced the painful truth that I could not fix this alone that I found the key to freedom. That surrender, the acceptance of Step One, changed everything.

Living with my addiction was like carrying a backpack full of rocks—every poor decision, every broken promise, every lie added to the weight. My marriage suffered the most. My wife felt betrayed and unloved, and trust between us was shattered. I saw the pain in her eyes every time I failed to keep my word. At work, my focus waned, and my confidence eroded. Even my faith, which had once been my anchor, felt out of reach. The worst part was knowing I was the architect of my own misery but feeling powerless to stop.

The turning point came when I attended my first SABR meeting. It was humbling to walk through that door, admit my weakness, and acknowledge my need for help. But I also felt an odd sense of relief—I didn’t have to carry this burden alone anymore. The structure of the program, with its focus on education, accountability, and community, gave me hope. For the first time, I realized I wasn’t fighting just a habit but a deeply rooted issue that needed to be understood and addressed holistically.

SABR has been a lifeline for me. In the program, I learned to identify the triggers that fueled my addiction and understand the deeper emotional wounds driving my behavior. The lessons on shame and vulnerability were transformative. I began to see myself not as a failure but as someone capable of change.

The biggest change came in my marriage. My wife and I started attending counseling sessions, and slowly, trust began to rebuild. She saw my commitment to the program and the changes in how I communicated and handled conflict. For the first time in years, we were truly partners again. SABR didn’t just help me stop my addictive behavior; it gave us tools to grow together.

Today, I’m in Phase Three of SABR, and it’s hard to describe the freedom I feel. This phase has been about applying everything I’ve learned to live a life of integrity and purpose. I’m not just surviving anymore—I’m thriving. I’ve become a better husband, friend, and man because of this journey.

The joy I’ve found is deeper than I ever imagined. There’s freedom in knowing I don’t have to be perfect, in learning from others, and in staying accountable. I’m still on the path, but I walk it with hope and confidence.

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.