The 10 Most Important Things I’ve Learned About Recovery from Addiction

By N

I’m not sure the title will stay the same on this one or not: there may be more (or less) than 5 things I’ve learned about recovery from addiction to pornography, lust, masturbation, etc. But, I’ll start with 5.

UPDATE: I changed it to 10!

Today is day 467 in recovery from my addiction. It’s hard to believe that many days have gone by since the miserable and nearly life-ending day I talked to Becky about all the bad things that had happened.

I’m so grateful that today I’m not the person I was.

I’m so grateful that today I’m trying to live in recovery and submit my life and will over to God.

I’m so grateful that today I’m aware of who I am and the consequences of my choices, good or bad.

I’m so grateful that today I want to use the Atonement in my life because I know it will help me, not only to repent, but also to stay away from sin and the pain that comes with sin.

I know that I haven’t done any of this on my own.

I know that it’s only in and through Jesus Christ that I’ve been able to live in recovery.

All I’ve been able to do is recognize when the temptation is there and then immediately turn it over to God, ask for His help, and be grateful when that help comes.

So here is a shot at some of the most important things I’ve learned thus far about recovery from addiction to porn.

Learning what my “weapons of war” are and then burying makes living in recovery so much easier.
Doing the dailies (scripture study, writing, prayer) are only a means to an end. Just doing them isn’t going to cure me unless my intent in doing them is to connect with God. If they are just part of a checklist of things I need to do that day, they won’t really help me live in recovery that much.
Having a sponsor or support person that I work the 12 steps with is crucial.
Working with a qualified therapist that specializes in pornography addiction is also a must: understanding why my brain does what it does helps me understand that I’m not a bad person, I just have an addiction that I have to turn over to God.
Living in recovery is never “over” – I’m not going to necessarily “overcome” my addiction. I have felt the burdens of addiction lighten, but if I let them, they can and will easily come back.
Having a daily talk with my wife about the AEIOU’s has been so helpful for both my wife and I. Honesty is the only way I can continue to live in recovery from addiction.
Going to 12 Step meetings is a life-long event.
Being a sponsor is so helpful to remind me where I’ve been and what I’ve learned about true recovery.
Addictive behaviors are a good indicator that I’m headed the wrong way. When and if I feel those behaviors I need to stop, figure out what I’m feeling and why, and make necessary changes in order to not continue down that path.
All I can really do to make life easier is learn how to turn my life and will over to God and be willing to do so on a moment to moment basis – looking too far ahead will only feel overwhelming; looking back will only feel depressing.

I feel this is a pretty complete list.

I’ve also read some great things that have helped me see with less blurred vision.

Love You, Hate the Porn
What Can I Do About Me?
The Inner Gold Program Book & Manual
Daring Greatly
He Restoreth My Soul
The LDS Addiction Recovery Manual

These articles too:

I’m grateful for today.

I look forward to today.

I feel connected to God and feel I’m doing what He would want me to do.

Hasta luego!

Nate