*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of this person’s testimonial.
I was fourteen when I first stumbled upon pornography. It was a fleeting curiosity, an innocent search that led me down a path I had no idea would be so destructive. At that age, I didn't have the capacity to understand the implications. I wish my parents had talked to me more about these things. They were loving and supportive, but there were never any real conversations about the dangers lurking on the internet. They didn’t put safeguards on our electronics, thinking it would be too intrusive. Now, I know that teenagers need those guardrails more than anything else.
As I grew older, my casual consumption turned into a dependency. I used pornography to cope with emotional distress and depression. Whenever I felt overwhelmed or lonely, I turned to it for comfort. It became my escape, a way to numb the pain I didn't know how to handle otherwise. I never imagined how this seemingly harmless habit would grow into an uncontrollable addiction that would eventually wreak havoc on my life and marriage.
My wife and I met in college, and our relationship started beautifully. However, my addiction was a shadow that followed us everywhere. It created a rift between us, a barrier I couldn’t overcome. I kept it a secret, out of shame and fear of judgment. The more I hid it, the worse it got. The trust and intimacy in our marriage began to erode. I felt trapped, knowing I was the one causing the destruction but feeling powerless to stop it.
It wasn't until I hit rock bottom that I decided to seek help. I found the courage to tell my wife, and it was one of the hardest things I've ever done. She was devastated, but she stood by me, encouraging me to get the help I desperately needed. That’s when I discovered the SABR (Sexual Addiction Behavioral Recovery) program at Family Strategies Counseling Center.
The SABR program was a lifeline. It provided me with the tools and support I needed to understand my addiction and start the journey to recovery. Through therapy, I began to unpack the psychological underpinnings of my addiction. I learned that my reliance on pornography was a symptom of deeper emotional issues. The program's comprehensive approach, which included individual therapy, group sessions, and educational workshops, was instrumental in my recovery. The insights from experts like Dr. Kim Buck, John Hinson and Julie Young helped me understand that I wasn’t alone and that recovery was possible.
It’s been eight months since I started the SABR program, and I’ve been sober for eight months. The change in my life has been nothing short of miraculous. My marriage, once on the brink of collapse, is now flourishing. My wife and I have rebuilt our trust, and our relationship is stronger than ever. We communicate openly, and I no longer feel the need to hide anything from her. We’ve grown together through this process, and our bond is unbreakable.
To anyone struggling with pornography addiction, know that there is hope. Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. Seeking help is the first step towards reclaiming your life. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. You deserve to live a life free from the chains of addiction, and with the right support, you can achieve it.
Family Strategies Counseling Center has actively serviced clients since 2000 with help for porn addiction or sexually compulsive behavior. Our SABR program for adults, Tribe for college students, and Band of Brothers for teens can help you! Give us a call at (800) 614-8142 or visit our website for more information: Family Strategies.
