Breaking Free
My name is Karan, and I was trapped. Not in a prison of walls, but in something that slowly consumed me from the inside. I had a secret that no one knew, not even my closest friends or family. I was addicted to porn.
It started when I was young, just curious about something new. I thought it was harmless at first, just a way to pass the time. But as the days went by, I found myself watching more and more. It wasn’t just a casual thing anymore. It became a need, something I couldn’t stop.
At first, I didn’t realize how much it was affecting me. I thought it was normal, just a part of life. But soon, I began to feel disconnected from everything else. My relationships with friends, my family, and even my work began to suffer. I was constantly distracted, always thinking about the next time I could escape into that world.
I tried to stop, countless times. I would promise myself that I would never watch it again, that I would be better. But every time, I failed. The shame and guilt piled up. I felt like I was living two lives: one in the real world, where I pretended everything was fine, and another in the dark, where I was controlled by my addiction.
It wasn’t until I hit rock bottom that I realized how much this was destroying me. I was losing my self-respect, my confidence, and my happiness. I felt like I was no longer in control of my life. I knew I had to do something before it was too late.
I couldn’t face going to a therapist or joining a group. It felt too overwhelming, so I started with small steps. I began by removing triggers from my life—unfollowing certain accounts, deleting apps, and even changing my phone settings to block access to harmful content. I kept myself busy with activities that distracted me, like working out, learning new skills, and spending more time with my friends. It wasn’t easy, and the urge was still there, but I found strength in staying busy and keeping my mind focused on things that mattered.
I also opened up to my best friend, someone I trusted deeply. It was hard to admit the truth, but sharing my struggle with someone else lightened the burden. Just talking about it, knowing that someone cared and understood, gave me a sense of relief. He didn’t judge me; instead, he supported me, helping me stay accountable and encouraging me to keep going.
Every day wasn’t perfect, and there were times I stumbled, but I never gave up. Slowly, I felt myself regaining control. My relationships improved, and I started feeling proud of myself again. I realized that breaking free from my addiction wasn’t about a quick fix—it was a process of rebuilding my life, step by step.
Now, I feel stronger than I ever have. I’ve learned that overcoming addiction isn’t about perfection; it’s about taking control, making the right choices, and surrounding yourself with people who support you. I still have moments of struggle, but I know now that I’m not defined by my past mistakes. I’m learning to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Credits
Posters : Photoshop, Meta AI, Canva. Designed by Jessi Hemanth
Music : Keys of Moon Music - Lonesome Journey • 'Lonesome Journey' by @KeysofMoonMusic