By Floyd Godfrey, PhD

*Names and identifying information have been redacted to maintain the privacy of this young man.

"Throughout my teenage years and into college, I've been hiding a part of myself that I was deeply ashamed of. My addiction to pornography started innocently but quickly spiraled out of control. It became the epicenter of my thoughts, increasingly consuming more of my time and energy, escalating in ways that frightened me.

The deeper I sank into my habits, the more isolated I felt. It was a cycle of pain and shame that I couldn't seem to escape. Pornography was no longer just a fleeting distraction; it was something that defined my routine and clouded my judgment. My grades were suffering, I was pulling back from contact with my family, I slowly withdrew from various social activities on campus. The guilt of harboring this secret was overwhelming, but the thought of disclosing it terrified me even more.

It reached a point where I could no longer bear the weight alone. One evening, consumed by my reality, I confessed to my roommates. I’m usually not very emotional but sat and cried while trying to explain to them my problem. Expecting rejection and disgust, I was met instead with patience and compassion. One of them walked over, sat on the couch next to me, and put his arm around me. Their reaction was not just a relief - it was a pivotal moment for me. They encouraged me to seek professional help, supporting me as I took my first steps towards recovery.

That’s when I started counseling sessions with Dr. Godfrey. He provided a safe space where I could explore the root causes of my addiction without judgment. The sessions offered me emotional stability and taught me practical tools to combat the problem. Each session was a step forward, rebuilding the self-esteem and control I had lost over the years.

Today, I am on a path to recovery, armed with a newfound hope and strategies to maintain my progress. While the journey is ongoing, the support I've received has illuminated a path forward. The understanding and tools I gained from my sessions have been invaluable, giving me strength to face each day with confidence.

My story is one of many, and I share it to say that recovery is possible. For anyone struggling with a similar addiction, know that it is never too late to seek help and reclaim your life."

Floyd Godfrey, PhD is a Clinical Sexologist and a Certified Sex Addiction Specialist. He has been guiding clients since 2000 and currently speaks and provides consulting and mental health coaching across the globe. To learn more about Floyd Godfrey, PhD please visit his website: www.FloydGodfrey.com