Accountability Partners For Porn Addiction

The Importance Of Accountability Partners In Recovery

One challenge in overcoming porn addiction is that most individuals have easy access to the internet. Unrestricted access to the internet can not only lead to some dangerous rabbit holes but can also impede an individual’s recovery. However, the solution is not to cease using technology but to learn how to use the internet wisely and safely; thankfully, many resources are available.

Individuals can improve their habits by working with accountability partners, like porn-blocking software, loved ones, online therapy, or support groups. Working with accountability partners can help individuals stick to their commitments or goals. Addiction of any kind can make an individual feel isolated, so it is important to stay connected with others and to ask for help or support.

Support Groups And Accountability Partners

Porn addiction, due to its stigmatization, can cause many individuals to feel shame or embarrassment; these feelings may lead an individual to self-isolate. Individuals can form accountability partners for porn addiction and fight isolation through sharing their experiences with others in support groups. Support groups, like Sexaholics Anonymous (SA) and Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), provide the space for individuals to come together for support, motivation, and guidance. SA and SLAA support groups can help alleviate those feelings of loneliness and isolation and help individuals stay on track in their recovery. 

Along with in-person support groups, online support groups are also available for those with a porn addiction. Like in-person support groups, online support groups offer connection and accountability in a supportive and compassionate environment. However, online support groups can provide an additional layer of anonymity; when an individual signs up for an online support group, they can often use only their first name or a pseudonym to protect their identity. 

There are also programs available that can help individuals find support groups online that meet their needs. For example, the Relay app helps connect individuals with similar concerns in peer-to-peer groups, including groups for eating disorders, porn or sex addiction, smoking, vaping, drug or alcohol abuse, and betrayal trauma. 

Lean On Loved Ones For Support

Receiving support from loved ones is integral to recovering from porn addiction. Working with trusted friends or family members is another great way to remain accountable and stick to personal goals; individuals can ask their loved ones if they would be available for check-ins, or they can even share their device activity with them.

Moreover, if an individual is religious, they can often find a strong support system through their church. Some churches even offer porn addiction resources such as counseling services for individuals, spouses, and families affected by pornography use.

What Is Porn-Blocking Software?

Most porn-blocking apps or software employ the use of an accountability partner, who is someone that you trust that can help monitor your device activity. By working with an accountability partner, individuals can have a better chance of sticking to their set boundaries, increasing their feelings of independence and confidence. 

Porn-blocking software filters out apps or websites that contain or promote pornography or other explicit content using blocking software. When an individual uses porn-blocking software, the program will instantly block explicit websites while allowing the person to access approved websites or content.

For example, Covenant Eyes is a software that tracks activity on all linked devices, flags suggestive content for review, and blocks millions of explicit websites. Covenant Eyes also uses a companion app, Victory, to help individuals reach their goals through accountability partners.

Accountability partners using the Victory app can receive notifications on device usage and schedule check-ins. Another option for monitoring internet usage is Canopy. Canopy is a porn-blocking software that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to detect pornographic and suggestive images and videos without blocking otherwise safe-to-use websites.

Finding Accountability Through Online Therapy

Beyond using porn-blocking software, individuals can seek online therapy to help them remain accountable for their porn usage. By working with a therapist as an accountability partner, individuals can create coping skills and work through the beliefs or circumstances that may have led to their porn addiction. Some therapists even specialize in sexual issues, with porn addiction being a specific subset. With online therapy, individuals can receive care in the privacy of their own homes, and some online therapy services offer messaging services instead of “face-to-face” virtual contact.

This type of privacy found in online therapy can allow individuals to receive the care they need that they may not have otherwise pursued due to complex feelings such as guilt, shame, or embarrassment. Online therapy providers, including BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Online-Therapy.com, provide a convenient, accessible, and affordable way to connect with licensed therapists. Learn more about your online therapy options for porn addiction today.

Additional Help For Porn Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with porn addiction, know that you are not alone. Nearly 200,000 American meet the classification of porn addiction, but thankfully, there are so many online and in-person resources available for treatment. Start learning about all of your online therapy options today.