In a previous blog post, we discussed the 48 little-known porn triggers. And, I challenged you to identify any triggers you experienced in the past two weeks with an intensity of 7/10.
If you haven’t done that yet, check out that post because it’ll help you get the most out of the following remarkable tool.
Today, we will look at a powerful tool psychologists use called “reaction sequences” to help you conquer your porn triggers.
By understanding the ten stages of a reaction sequence, you can learn how to get rid of a porn addiction by recognising and stopping your triggers before they spiral out of control.
As a result, you’re giving yourself the best chance of winning the battle against porn addiction by implementing this super-simple tool.
Now, I’m guessing that you may be thinking - “what on earth is a reaction sequence? It sounds complicated”.
But don’t worry; it’s straightforward to use once you get to grips with how Reaction Sequences work.
So, in this post, I’ll walk you through this superb strategy step-by-step. Plus, I’ll provide you with an example of how they work so that you’ll know how to get rid of a porn addiction by adding this powerful weapon to your porn-quitting arsenal.
Are you ready to dive in and start getting some absolute mastery over your porn triggers?
Let’s go!
How To Get Rid Of A Porn Addiction With This Excellent Psychological Tool.
Psychologists use the term “reaction sequence” to describe what happens internally when triggered. It’s a process that starts with a stimulus and ends with a response.
For example, a guy with a foot fetish might be triggered to watch porn when he spots an attractive woman with shapely legs walking down the street in high-heeled shoes.
And so, in this example, the high-heeled shoes would be the stimulant (trigger)) and the response would be viewing foot-fetish porn.
You might be sitting there thinking, “All this guy needs to do is stop checking out women in high-heeled shoes, and he’s good to go, right?”
Unfortunately, when you’re working on how to get rid of a porn addiction by working with your triggers, it’s usually not that straightforward.
Why?
Put simply, when you’re triggered off to watch porn this typically happens so automatically, quickly and unconsciously that it becomes extremely difficult to notice the warning signs that you’ve been triggered.
Therefore, you first need to break down the trigger using a Reaction Sequence. As a result, you can then start to deactivate it using several dependable tools, so potential future triggers lose their power over you in the future.
Sounds good?
Uncovering The 10 Stages Of This Amazing Psychological Tool.
Allow me to walk you through what’s going on internally when you’re triggered to watch porn so that you can get to grips with how reaction sequences work. And why they are such an excellent tool for setting yourself up for long-term porn quitting success.
The following diagram provides you with a high-level overview of the ten stages of a reaction sequence that you go through whenever you’re triggered to watch porn:
Here is an overview of each of the 10 phases within the reaction sequence for how to get rid of a porn addiction:
Stick with me here as I walk you through the descriptions. I’ll provide a real-world example shortly so you can gain a Chrystal-clear understanding of how to use this tool for trigger mastery.
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Stimulus - one of your porn triggers is activated.
Meaning - Your brain associates meaning with the stimulus
Emotion - Your brain has an emotional response to the meaning assigned to the stimulus
Thought - Your mind produces a thought based on the meaning and emotion assigned to the stimulus
Chemical Release - Your mind releases chemicals into your body, raising Dopamine, Adrenaline and Testosterone levels
Body Reacts - Your body reacts by elevating your heart rate and increasing blood flow to the genitals.
Rational Mind Kicks In - Your rational mind responds rather than reacts, giving you a second thought, “Are you sure you want to watch porn?”
It’s Too Late - By the time your rational mind kicks in, it’s already too late because your body is now primed to watch porn and masturbate due to the chemical release
Response - Your rational mind gives in to the inner battle, resulting in viewing porn and, most likely, masturbation.
Reward - your brain releases opioids when you orgasm, strengthening the addictive Neurological pathways.
That’s right; your brain naturally produces opioids when you have an orgasm.
Now, I’m guessing you already know the powerfully addictive nature of opioids, right?
Honestly, this may shock you a little if you haven’t considered what I will say next.
The biggest problem with quitting porn is that you don’t need to leave your house or meet a dealer to get a fix.
Basically, all you need is high-speed Internet access and a mobile device, and you’re good to go.
To make matters worse, whenever you start fantasising about porn, you activate the same addictive pathways in the brain. As a result, you can end up in a constant battle with your mind.
Sounds pretty serious, right?
The good news is that by using excellent tools like reaction sequences, you’re learning a step-by-step formula for how to get rid of a porn addiction.
Alright.
That was a bit of a Segway.
But it was worth it to get you up to speed on why ‘just stop watching porn’ doesn’t work for most people.
Lets get back to how to get rid of a porn addiction using reaction sequences.
Here’s the bottom line:
Reaction sequences happen so quickly, automatically, and unconsciously that it can be challenging to catch them when they’re happening.
But, once you recognise the sequence, you can start deactivating it and overcome the temptation.
Let’s look at an example so that you can start to think about how to get rid of a porn addiction using this fabulous tool for mastering your triggers.
Real-World Example of How To Get Rid Of a Porn Addiction Using Reaction Sequences.
Peter is a 20-year-old university student, and he’s triggered to watch porn whenever he sees a semi-clad woman on his Instagram feed.
And so, Peter’s Reaction Sequence goes something like this:
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Stimulus - Peter is triggered to watch porn every time he sees a semi-clad woman on his Instagram feed
Meaning - Peter’s mind evaluates the stimulus based on his memories and previous experiences. Based on this comparison, his brain assigns the meaning that semi-naked women on Instagram equal pleasure.
Emotion - Peter’s mind generates emotions based on the meaning assigned to the stimulus, such as excitement, curiosity, anticipation, and arousal.
Thought - Peter’s mind thinks, “Damn, she looks hot. I wonder if I can find a woman who looks like her on Pornhub.”
Chemical Release - Peter’s brain has a vast dopamine spike, producing testosterone and adrenaline.
Body Reacts - Peter’s heart rate rises, blood pressure ramps up, blood flow increases to the genitals, and sexual arousal grows.
Rational Mind Kicks In - Peter is highly tempted to watch porn, but a competing voice says, “But you promised that you were going to quit.”
It’s Too Late - But it’s too late for these warning signs from his rational mind because his body is already primed to watch porn due to the chemicals flooding his nervous system.
Response - Peter’s rational mind loses the battle, and he gives in. As a result, he watches porn and masturbates.
Reward - Peter has an orgasm, opioids are released, and the pattern of porn addiction is strengthened.
So, Peter' Reaction Sequence would look something like this:
Here’s the key to understanding how to get rid of a porn addiction using Reaction Sequences.
Frankly, when you get to the chemical release stage of the reaction sequence, it’s too late to do much about your urges to watch porn; this would be the equivalent of trying to arm wrestle a Gorilla. Sure, you could strain and puff away until you’re red in the face, but you aren’t able to shift his arm by more than a few inches at best.
Therefore, stopping before the chemical release phase is the best time to prevent a reaction sequence from completing the ten stages.
How do you do that?
Quite simply, you interrupt the reaction sequence using a three-step formula:
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Map out the reaction sequence for a porn trigger.
Identify the behaviours that you need to change.
Develop a game plan the next time you’ve been triggered.
In other words, this three-step formula is designed to help you slow things down internally, pause, and respond more intentionally.
But, before I walk you through the three steps for deactivating a Reaction Sequence…
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3-Step Formula For Defeating A Trigger Using Reaction Sequences.
Let’s walk through the three-step formula for deactivating a Reaction Sequence.
Step 1: Mapping Out Your Reaction Sequence For A Porn Trigger.
Review your list of porn triggers and identify one that would make a gigantic difference to your porn-quitting efforts if you entirely deactivate it.
Next, think about the last time you were triggered and map out what was happening for you internally using the below fill-in-the-blanks reaction sequence diagram (here is a printable workbook version):
The key to changing the reaction sequence when you’re triggered in the future is early awareness that you’re being triggered. In other words, you want to interrupt the reaction sequence as early as possible so that it doesn’t get to the stage where you have to fight against the chemicals being pumped around your body.
By being aware of your reaction sequence, you can catch yourself before it’s too late.
Step 2: How To Get Rid Of A Porn Addiction by Changing Your Behaviours.
Now that you know your reaction sequence, it’s time to identify the behaviours that need to change.
Go back to the previous worksheet where you have your reaction sequence laid out and fill in the “What Behaviours Need to Change?” section.
In this section, you’re identifying the behaviours that need to be changed to avoid being potentially triggered in the future.
For example, you may need to avoid certain websites or social media platforms that trigger you.
Step 3: Develop a Game Plan.
Now that you’ve identified the behaviours that need to change, it’s time to develop a game plan.
So, fill in the section labelled “What’s Your Game Plan?”.
Essentially, you want to write down one to five choices you can make instead of viewing porn.
For example, you could walk, read a book, or call a friend.
By having a game plan, you’re prepared to make better choices when triggered.
The big idea is that you can print out your game plan or store a copy on your mobile device. As a result, whenever you encounter one of the trigger that you've been working with, then you can refer back to your game plan and engage with a range of healthier alternatives.
Make sense?
Using this three-step formula, you can rewire your responses to triggers and gain mastery over your behaviours. What’s more, all you require is a little focus, experimentation and a super-simple tool like reaction sequences.
How To Get Rid Of A Porn Addiction: 4 Reliable Tips For Using Reaction Sequences.
Here are some additional tips to help you put into practice everything you’ve been learning about Reaction Sequences for how to get rid of a porn addiction.
Tip 1: Practice, Practice, Practice.
At first, reaction sequences may seem complicated. But it’s just a set of steps you can take when you feel triggered, and, like any new skill, the more you practice it, the easier you’ll find it to perform.
Tip 2: One Trigger At A Time.
You’ll most likely find it overwhelming if you try to use the three-step formula to try and change your triggers all at once. That’s why I recommend focusing on just one trigger at a time. This allows you to get comfortable with the new skill and build up your confidence before moving on to the next one.
Tip 3: Turn It Into A Habit
So, pick one trigger and experiment using the reaction sequence strategy for at least a few weeks. That might sound like a long time, but it’s essential to give yourself enough chance to get comfortable with the new approach and make it a habit.
Tip 4: Work Through Your Triggers Systematically.
Once you’ve got the hang of it with one trigger, add more to your list. Keep track of your triggers as you go, so you can systematically work through each. This will help you develop the skill of using reaction sequences, and over time, you’ll start to feel like you have more control over your behaviour.
You Now Have The Power & Knowledge To Master Your Triggers.
Congratulations on taking the first step towards conquering your porn addiction!
By understanding and mastering your triggers through the power of reaction sequences, you’re on your way to a brighter, porn-free future.
Now, I won’t sugarcoat it—the journey won’t always be easy. It’s a process that requires effort and commitment.
But trust me, the rewards are worth it.
Imagine a life where you’re no longer controlled by the urge to watch porn, have the freedom to connect with others on a deeper level, and can build genuine, fulfilling relationships.
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Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. Take it one trigger at a time, starting with the one that would make the most significant difference in your journey. Experiment with the reaction sequence strategy and give yourself time to get comfortable with this new approach. It’s all about progress, not perfection.
As you gain confidence, gradually add more triggers to your list. Keep track of your progress and celebrate each small victory along the way.
You’re building the skill of using reaction sequences for how to get rid of a porn addiction, and over time, you’ll feel a sense of empowerment as you regain control over your behaviour.
Believe in yourself, my friend. You have the strength and determination to break free from the grip of porn addiction.
Embrace this opportunity to create a future filled with freedom, fulfilment, and genuine connections.
Take that leap of faith and enrol in the course now. Together, we’ll conquer your porn addiction and unlock a world of possibilities.
Remember, you’re not alone on this journey—support and guidance await you.
You’ve got this! Start your transformation today and embrace a life free from porn addiction.