Regarding Addictions and Dark Thoughts

CBT for Addictions

(Disclaimer:  I am not a licensed professional.)

The all-too-common addiction of porn addiction will be discussed here.  

The worst thing someone with a porn addiction can do is punish oneself.  Guilt, shame, and stress over a porn addiction only serve to make the porn addiction worse.  Also, ultra-perfectionism standards in the 'spiritual community' make a porn addiction worse.  Those who point the finger with sanctimony only contribute to the problem.  Although not everyone in the spiritual community are this way, the number is large enough to be an issue.  It's very important to not buy into the judgements of such people, nor the mentality they promote.  

Of course, non-judgement does not mean to celebrate the addiction either!  What's needed is a balanced, rational approach.

AI came up with this:

"Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used therapeutic approach for various behavioral addictions, including porn addiction.  It focuses on identifying and challenging negative thoughts and behaviors, then replacing them with healthier alternatives.  Here's how CBT can be applied to porn addiction:

1. Identifying Triggers

CBT helps individuals pinpoint specific triggers that lead to the urge to watch porn.  These triggers can be internal (e.g., stress, boredom, loneliness) or external (e.g., certain environments, social situations).  By identifying these triggers, individuals can develop strategies to cope with them in healthier ways.

2. Challenging Cognitive Distortions

Many people with porn addiction may have distorted beliefs about sexuality, relationships, or their self-worth.  For example, they might think that watching porn is harmless or that they cannot stop once they start.  CBT helps individuals recognize these faulty thinking patterns and replace them with more balanced, realistic beliefs.

3. Behavioral Interventions

CBT often includes behavioral strategies to change the compulsive behavior associated with porn use.  This could involve:

• Setting boundaries:  For example, limiting internet access, using filtering software, or avoiding specific online environments.

• Building alternative activities:  CBT encourages individuals to replace the time spent watching porn with healthier, more fulfilling activities such as hobbies, exercise, or social interactions.

4. Developing Coping Skills

One key goal of CBT is to teach clients effective coping mechanisms for dealing with cravings and urges.  This can involve relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and stress management tools that help people manage the emotional or mental discomfort that might lead them to seek porn as a coping strategy.

5. Relapse Prevention

CBT emphasizes preventing relapse by preparing individuals for situations where they might be tempted to revert to old behaviors.  The therapist and client work together to develop strategies for managing these situations.  This can include:

• Creating a plan for high-risk situations:  Identifying where and when a relapse is most likely to occur and planning ahead for how to handle those situations.

• Self-monitoring:  Keeping track of progress and identifying any signs that a relapse might be imminent.

6. Addressing Underlying Issues

Sometimes, porn addiction can be a symptom of deeper emotional or psychological issues, such as trauma, anxiety, or depression.  CBT can be used to address these underlying problems, reducing the need for unhealthy coping mechanisms like pornography.

Effectiveness of CBT for Porn Addiction

Research suggests that CBT is an effective treatment for porn addiction, as it helps individuals develop a better understanding of their behavior and equips them with the tools to change it.  However, it is important to note that success often depends on the individual's commitment to the process and the presence of any co-occurring mental health issues that might need to be addressed concurrently.

Support Systems

In addition to therapy, joining support groups (like Sex Addicts Anonymous or other recovery communities) can provide individuals with a sense of community, accountability, and encouragement.  Group settings can enhance the effectiveness of CBT by offering emotional support from others who understand the challenges of overcoming porn addiction.

Conclusion

CBT offers a structured, practical approach for those struggling with porn addiction.  It empowers individuals to change their thought patterns and behaviors, helping them regain control over their impulses and build healthier habits.  However, it may work best when combined with other therapeutic techniques or support systems, depending on the severity of the addiction."

Regarding Dark Thoughts

The above CBT methods also apply to dark thoughts.  

Ultimately, people don't want to be tormented, but the brain produces endorphins from torment (just as the body produces endorphins from physical pain).  Thus, torment from dark thoughts is an addiction.  

Although AI is not always accurate, when it comes to addictions, it is probably very accurate:

"Yes, self-torment can become an addiction.  This can manifest as a repetitive pattern of self-destructive thoughts, behaviors, or emotions that a person struggles to control, even when they recognize that it's harmful.  The cycle of self-torment can feed into feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness, which may become ingrained over time.

This type of addiction might not always be obvious in the traditional sense, like substance addiction, but it can still have similar impacts on a person's mental and emotional health.  People can become addicted to the emotional highs and lows, the pain, or even the familiarity of the cycle, which can make it difficult to escape.

It's often linked with underlying mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma, and breaking the cycle typically requires addressing these root causes through therapy and self-compassion practices."

Those with dark thoughts may believe that they are bad people.  Believing this about themselves only makes their dark thinking worse.  In extreme instances, they may even place themselves in the same category as the cabal.  However, those who do not commit crimes against humanity but have dark thoughts (and many people do from time to time) are definitely not in the same category as the cabal.  Those with dark thoughts need to identify and challenge their destructive beliefs, which is a hallmark of CBT.  

Guilt and shame only make dark thoughts worse.  Again, ultra-perfectionism within certain segments of the spiritual community is a major contributor to anomalous thinking.  Those with a 'holier than thou' mentality while secretly not living up to their own ultra-standards are knowingly or unknowingly assisting the dark forces. 

 

Why I'm Making This Post

Personally, I no longer have a porn addiction, but wanted to cover this sensitive subject before the 14th.  

Really looking forward to getting this clearing done. 😊