No Lions Here

79. Raw and Real: Stories of Addiction and Redemption with Derek


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Derek shares his journey of addiction, starting with his early exposure to pornography at a young age. He discusses the emotional and psychological factors that contributed to his addiction, including low self-esteem, emotional disconnection, and societal norms. Derek describes how his addiction progressed over time, leading to more severe behaviors and a warped perception of reality. He talks about the impact of his addiction on his relationships, including the dishonesty and the constant cycle of promising to change. Derek eventually found recovery through therapy, support groups, and a commitment to self-improvement. In this part of the conversation, Big Panda discusses his experiences with cocaine addiction and the impact it had on his relationships. He shares how he would become paranoid and anxious while waiting for his girlfriend to arrive, and how the come down from cocaine was difficult to handle. He also talks about his attempts to get clean and the relapses he experienced. Eventually, his girlfriend discovered his drug use and ended their relationship, which became a turning point for him to seek recovery. He also discusses his journey in dating while in recovery and the importance of self-acceptance and compassion. In this final part of the conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of self-reflection and reframing their thoughts when it comes to attraction. They acknowledge the need to avoid making others uncomfortable and to focus on their own growth and acceptance. They also touch on the benefits of attending Al-Anon meetings and how it has helped them in their recovery journey. The conversation ends with a reflection on the challenges they have faced and the importance of acceptance and self-compassion.
Keep coming back. It works if you work it, and you are worth it!
If you, or someone you love, are grappling with sexual addiction, pornography addiction, or intimacy issues, Begin Again Institute can be that pivotal step towards recovery and a new lease on life.
To learn more about their life-changing program, visit beginagaininstitute.com or call (720) 776-9076

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No Lions HereBy Big Panda