Help

[Alex117]

=((

I just don't know how to stop and I need help. I go a day or two and then binge. It leaves me feeling empty inside. I just don't know what to do.

Alex=((

[Life-lies-trust]

Start by reading the articles, then also look at resources, and other PA's journals.

[Benedict]

You have to find the motivation to do it for yourself. And a good start is to sit down with a pen and write out all the pluses and minuses about PA, and then what would be the benefits to yourself of being PF. Really imagine yourself PF (reading a few journals of those who have succeeded may help) and then really look closely at your current situation and how you feel about yourself. If you look at the first pages of some journals, you will see some examples of this process.

Next, start a journal and use it to record what is happening. Be honest about relapses. The journal can be a huge help in identifying triggers and helping you to develop strategies to deal with those triggers.

Good luck.

[Alex117]

Thank you so much for the replies. I'll take your advice to heart.

[OpenEyes]

Alex117,

It may be helpful to get some internest filering software. There are many out there now, and some recent posts on a few of them. I use K-9 and it seems to work pretty well. Do you have anyone you can confide in about this? Your SO or best friend? If you do have someone you can be honest with, have them come over when you install it, and they set the password. IF not, then make it complicated, write it down, and put it somewhere very hard to get to. This gives you time to think before you really relapse.

The suggestions by Benedict and LLT are great ones. The articles really opened my eyes to how bad PA is. The resources and suggested readings also help you understand yourself, the development of this and other strategies to fight it.

Avoiding triggers is huge when you are new to trying to quit. Recognize what your triggers are. Are they boredom, feeling bad or trying to fill a void in your life? If so, when in those moods or situations, remove yourself to places where you cannot indulge in P.

I hope these suggestions help and we all wish you strength in you fight against PA. Remember you have people here willing to give you support and advice.