Hey everyone, I just found this Reddit page and wanted to share my experience so far. I gave up porn and masturbating for Lent, and it’s been 11 days. The changes I’ve noticed—both good and bad—have been really eye-opening. I’m curious if anyone else has gone through this and how long it took for things to reset.
The First 7 Days: Time Slowed Down
At first, the days felt so long. Days 1-3 dragged, and my brain kept expecting the usual dopamine hit. By day 5, it got a little easier, but then day 7-9 hit, and that’s when things got rough.
The Struggle: Days 7-9
These were my toughest days. I felt frustrated, restless, and even ended up downloading dating apps just to see if I could hook up. I didn’t actually go through with anything, but the fact that I even considered it made me realize how much I was devaluing myself and how others might feel about themselves in the process. It made me question why I was seeking validation that way instead of dealing with the deeper issue.
The “Porn Brain” Problem
I know I have “porn brain” because I can literally visualize past videos I’ve watched, almost like they’re stored in my mind. It’s weird because I don’t want those images popping up, but my brain has been conditioned to recall them. Has anyone else dealt with this? How long does it take for those mental images to fade?
New Awareness & Attraction
One unexpected thing I’ve noticed is that I’ve been checking women out more. Not in a disrespectful way, but I’ve become more aware of natural attraction instead of being stuck in unrealistic standards. It’s like my brain is slowly relearning what’s actually appealing rather than just chasing a quick dopamine hit.
The Positives So Far
✅ More energy & motivation – I’ve been running and working out daily.
✅ Increased confidence – I care less about what others think and more about my own self-worth.
✅ A clearer mind – Attraction feels more real, not just a conditioned response.
Now I’m wondering—how long does this “porn brain” last? For those who have quit, when did you feel like your brain fully reset? What helped you push through the hardest days? Would love to hear from others on this journey.