replace P with Xbox live? ("gaming" support?)

[jonas612]

This is just an idea, and I wouldnt know how it would fly with the whole anonymity thing. So feel free to shoot it down.

I was thinking that one of the things that I like to do to get my mind off of P is to play video games. Getting engrossed in a game is sometimes a good way to ignore the temptation of looking on the internet.

Again, I dont know how this would work, but maybe if we set up a place for people to exchange gamertags for those of us on Xbox Live, we could set up some sort of system that would allow us to play games with each other / keep each other clean to replace the urge to MB or look at P.

Again, I'm not trying to cause a stir, and feel free to shoot me down if this isnt feasible. I just thought it might be a feasible idea.

[raisinbran]

I think that is a good idea! I figure anything that's legal that is meant to distract you from the addiction can be a good thing (unless it's another addiction; don't want to replace a P addiction with a gaming addiction!)

At any rate, as far as this forum goes, I'm not really sure that there are a lot of people here who play games. I haven't in a while.

[swisha]

I think your onto something, however I disagree with gaming...

Porn addiction brings a chemical release in our brain, and attempting to replace that with the feeling we get from gaming is not a positive replacement...

However I think this idea about 'replacing' an addiction os very powerful when done correctly:

Masturbation is a waste of time Right?

Gamin is largely a waste of time Right?

So replace masturbation with a positive way of spending time! whatever interests you

I read books, check out blogs, get involved in american politics through debates and youtube. If I was to feel tempted I would write a new entry in this online journal and would state affirmatives like 'I pursue FREEDOM' that way I stay on the right path. My habits improve and I have turned a harmful addiction into a positive way of spending time, where I am actively learning...

Use your time productively- i think thats the key

[settgfree]

I have replaced p* with gaming a bit, but also other hobbies.

When I get the urge to look at P, I try to replace it with something that will occupy my mind and forget about P. Kind of like a "reward for not looking."

GOOD REWARDS:
Exercise is the best, as it is a huge self-esteem boost for me.
Games help.
I am a brewer, so I may have a glass of beer. (NOT recommended if you have alcohol issues.)
Read my Bible. (I'm reading it cover to cover, and nothing kills the urge faster than reading the Bible.)

BAD REWARDS:
Sometimes I eat something when I feel like watching P. Not good. That's why exercise is good.
Spending money.

I try to do more good than bad. It's a battle, but it is better to lose the GOOD / BAD REWARD battle than to succumb to P. (IMHO)

[jonas612]

I dont necessarily agree that its a waste of time, as long as its not taken to any sort of extreme, but I agree with doing something positive, whatever that would be to you!

[completelydone]

You could, but why not develope the close relationships you are lacking instead.

Take care,
CD

[ethanm]

WORST CASE SCENARIO, Halo is my last line of defense.

If I go to sit down at the computer, with a bad thought in my head, I crank up Halo and after 30 minutes of CTF, I forgot why I sat down in the first place.

30 minutes of Halo 2-3 times a week does not threaten my marriage, and I don't binge on it and shirk my duties, so I have it as one of my last-resort tools.

[jonas612]

You could, but why not develope the close relationships you are lacking instead.

Take care,
CD

CD, I know you probably meant well with this, but it kinda took me the wrong way. I do have a LOT of close relationships, its whats allowed me to beat other things in my life. Just because someone has an addiction does not necessarily mean he doesnt have a strong support core, it just means that they're an addict, and fortunately, they have more support by their side. The problem is when you are alone (and eventually you are) and you need to cope on your own in that time. People have different ways of coping.

Again, I appreciate the candor, but I think you misunderstood the purpose of what I was trying to get at. Please dont take this the wrong way.