(MALE CHRISTIANS ONLY!!!) Any Ideas on what can be used to compensate for the thoughts and urges of porn?

Question

I am a former addict who still has constant pornographic thoughts and the urge to look at porn. I do my best to stop them and not give in.

Answer 1

I know that I am not a male, but the questions are open to everyone. I hope you do not mind that I am answering this. I have my reasons. I used to have a porn addiction as well. I know that it's not as common in females as it is in males, but it does exist. I understand the frustration that you are going through. Like any addiction, no matter if it's to the internet, porn, shopping, alcohol, drugs, whatever it may be. There has to be something to replace the addiction. Have you ever seen someone who stopped smoking become overweight? The psychological reason is that they use the energy they had when they were smoking to then eat a whole bunch of food to deal with the cravings. They didn't stop the addiction. They simply switched it to something else. Don't switch your addiction to something else like many people do. Use the Christian aspect of replacement.

Romans 12:21 says, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Replace what is evil with something that is good. There are many aspects of the Christian faith that can suffice as "something good". Worshipping God, prayer, reading your Bible, helping other people, praising God through song, and so on. Find that something good to replace the something evil that you have a problem with. If you have a Christian male friend that you can talk to about this that will help you stay accountable, then it will be even better! Having something that you can pray with and talk to when you are having a bad day will help you greatly.

Also, I'm including a site in the source section that you may want to check out. It is for Christians with addictions to many things -- including porn. They have courses that last 60 days. You have a mentor that helps you and prays for you. You learn so much about why you are addicted to something like this, and how to deal with all of it--even those urges. I hope you take a look at it. It helped me greatly! Oh, and the site is free. They do not charge to help people become free.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Yeah I agree with barcode on this one for sure. If you don't want to be looking at inappropriate materials, have your parents block it. Or if you have your own computer set your internet settings to the appropriate level and give yourself a completely ridiculous password so you'll forget it and won't be able to get around your filters. I can't think of any specific examples but I have heard of software you can download that blocks porn sites only. Normally I'd say you're just discovering your own personal sexuality. And if you are gay, that's who you are. But right now for you personally you sound as though finding out you might be gay would really jeopardize your religious beliefs. Right now that would seem to be more important. But also try to understand that these urges to avoid gay porn or being gay may not be something that prayer alone can fix. Moreover it might be that you just have to concede that you may be gay or bi. On the other had you are also still really really young and young guys will masturbate to just about anything that gets them off. Its possible that gay porn was simply a sexual outlet (a way to throw off your moral under pinnings for a moment) for yourself, but not something you're actually interested in participating yourself. At any rate masturbation is normal. Doing it like once every two weeks isn't nothing. Doing 1-3 times a day is common. Doing it 12 times a day? Well then your new nick name is marathon man! ;-) If you seriously think you have a problem then its important for you to seek out professional help.

Answer 4

Keep it up man. Find some other men in your church that have gone through the same thing and meet up with them once a week.

Some of us have addictive personalities. I dove into Fantasy Sports on Yahoo. My family has accountability software on our computer and someone can see all the sites that have been visited and can't be erased.

Find a new hobby. It's hard at first but keep trying and you'll soon be realizing that it gets easier. But still don't let your guard down.

Find an accountability partner. Someone that you can call anytime you have a thought or want to view porn. One thing you can't do is let your ego get in the way. There's a heck of a lot of men out there that are too embarrassed to talk about it. But honestly once you talk about it once, it gets easier and you realize that your not alone.

Answer 5

You should run for mayor. or play guitar. Or buy a dog. Go to church. Volunteer at a homeless shelter. Get a second job. Take a cold shower. Pray. Read a book. Plant a tree. Go fishing. Write a short story. Draw a picture. Do a puzzle. Learn to throw a boomerang. Travel. Mow the lawn. Mow your neighbors lawn. If all of that doesn't work, just picture your grandparents humping.

Answer 6

#1 .. Prayer!

I would also consider counseling with your pastor as well. I know that might sound a little scary.. telling your pastor about that.. but in most cases, you will find that a pastor is very caring and considerate.. and more than likely has had a more than one person come to him with a similar issue. It's amazing sometimes the guidance they can offer.

Also, occupying your mind with other things. Of course it is difficult to stop the urges.. but if you're too busy doing other things.. you won't have time to give in.. right? :)

Answer 7

Ask God EVERY day to help you stay away from sin and to deliver you from addiction. You cannot do this on your own.

Realize that it's a lie from Satan that you NEED to look at pornography.

Third, realize that we will only be made perfect in heaven. Don't get discouraged when you fail. Confess and fight harder the next time.

Answer 8

take up a hard hobby, like try learning to play the guitar or another instrument...or if ya already know how to, then start a band....if u have a band...practice...do ANYTHING, but please dont fall back into the Worldly mindset....and dont put urself in the situations that would allow you to look at porn...surround urself with people as much as possible...or take away the computer..good luck and God Bless.

Answer 9

When you deny yourself something, it manifests itself into things that are harmful.

I don't believe that occasionally looking at porn is wrong...as long as it does not control your life...or hurt your relationship with your spouse.

Don't beat yourself up over dogma that people project onto you....a little j/o never hurt anyone...and sex is a gift from God...whether by youself or with another.

Answer 10

Women Christians also like porn.
Don't be so sexist. Maybe that's why you like looking at photographed women and not real life women.