A Realistic Timeline to Quit Porn

Are you thinking about what it would be like to quit porn? If you suffer from a porn addiction, you may be wondering how long it will take to get over it. Realistically, it’s different for everyone, but there are some general guidelines regarding how long it may take. Here are some time phases on a realistic timeline to quit porn, and how you may be feeling during this time. Like any addiction, it takes time and patience with yourself to get through. But once you dedicate yourself to breaking the chains of porn addiction, it will truly change your life for the better.

The Timeline for Short-Term Goals

So you’re ready to quit porn. You shut down all of the porn sites that you normally go to, restricting access. How’s that first 24 hours? Probably pretty difficult. You’ll start to realize just how much you look at porn on that first day and into the entire week.

Week One

Week one is the worst. Let’s just be honest here. You’ll start to experience that dopamine withdrawal from not getting your daily porn fix. There may also be some mood swings, restlessness, and generally feeling tired. Brain fog and headaches are other side effects of early porn withdrawal. Don’t worry though, these feelings and symptoms won’t last.

One Month

The cravings through the first month are going to be very difficult to deal with. You’ll probably find yourself reaching for your phone often, or computer unconsciously, because you’re used to seeking out those pornography videos and images. Your mood may still be pretty low during this time period.

Three Months

At 90 days or three months, you may find that your sex drive has flatlined. So what does that mean? When your libido has flatlined, it means that you are experiencing a period of being numb to sex. You may not feel any desire at all. Most people really want to know how long this blah feeling about sex will last. The good news is that it may only last a few weeks for some people. The bad news is that for others, it may last a few months or more.

Six Months

The good news is that your dopamine levels are back to normal at this point. You’ll also find that the intense cravings have mainly gone away. You are still at risk of going back to using porn, but you have a much better chance of success at this point.

The Long-Term Success

The long-term success rates after a year or more of leaving porn behind are very good for someone with a porn addiction. Once you quit porn, it still may be in the back of your mind for years or even the rest of your life. With dedication and a commitment to staying away from porn, you’ll be able to enjoy a much more fulfilling sex life and sexual wellness with your partner. That’s just one of the many benefits when you quit porn.

Keep in mind that everyone’s timeline to quit porn after a serious addiction will look a little different. At least this timeline will give you an idea of the things you are feeling and experiencing while you undergo this major change in your life.