It’s easy to feel trapped when you’re addicted to porn. A few hours or days of freedom ends with falling back into old habits, often leading to feelings of shame and self-loathing. But you don’t have to feel trapped forever. There is always, always hope to break free from addiction. Here are just five ways to get started:

1. Get professional help.

Without putting in the hard work to change the way your brain works, you won’t be able to overcome your addiction. Do not proceed to steps 2-5 without taking this critical first step! No one recovers from porn addiction in a vacuum. Addiction requires looking beyond yourself for help and guidance. Join a program. Talk to a counselor. Read some good books on the subject. At Neulia, we offer a full suite of programs to accommodate every schedule and every budget. Reach out today for confidential help that really cares. Don’t wait another minute.

2. Tell the truth.

One of the fastest ways to take away an addiction’s power is to bring it out into the light. Shame thrives in secrecy, but it dissolves in transparency. Choose a trusted confidant such as a counselor, pastor, or friend to open up with about your struggle. After that, tell your partner. These conversations are far from easy, but no one ever said recovery was easy. You can do hard things. It will be worth it in the end.

3. Change up your environment.

If you are tempted to return to your addiction because of your environment, change it. In the words of Elizabeth Gilbert, “If you don’t like where you are, move. You are not a tree.” There's a reason that alcoholics do not work as bartenders (well recovering alcoholics anyway). You have to remove yourself from the tempting stimuli, which looks different for everyone. For you, it might mean:

• Getting accountability software on all of your computers and your phone.
• Getting rid of your home computer completely.
• Switching to a flip phone.
• Getting a different job.
• Changing your group of friends.
• Finding a new, more supportive work environment.

If you are serious about overcoming your addiction, you will have to make some big lifestyle changes. You can do this.

4. A healthy brain and a healthy body go hand-in-hand.

While you are recovering from any kind of addiction, you need to take care of yourself. Exercise as regularly as you possibly can. Eat really good, healthy, delicious food, and eat it often. Surround yourself with balanced, positive people. Get enough sleep. Just go to bed. Turn off your computer, charge your phone far away from your sleeping space, and get some rest. If your body is healthy, your brain is much more likely to follow suit.

5. Fill up your free time with things that make you happy.

This is the perfect time to pick up a healthy, fun new hobby. Always wanted to try mountain biking? Go for it. Want to train for a marathon? There's no better time than the present. Want to learn how to paint? Hey, Bob Ross is on Netflix now! Remove yourself from situations of idleness, and fill that time with physical activity and creative pursuits.

If you've overcome an addiction, what were the best tips or tricks people shared with you?