Filter vs Accountability Program

I should start by saying that one of my issues is porn addiction.  I first remember viewing porn at the age of 5 (magazine) and then later it was magazines and VHS tapes.  Once we got the internet it just got worse.

My husband and I put filters on all our computers when our kids were at an age we felt they needed protection.  For me this was just a little challenge to see how quickly I could "get around" the filter.  It was very easy for me so I knew that our kids didn't have any trouble since they knew more about computers than I did.  

I do think filters are a great thing and I am not saying don't use them I am just telling how things have worked, or not worked for me.  For some filters work great.

After I returned from my intensive workshop I looked at filters and accountability programs to put on my laptop.  I realized the acct. program would be the best option for me because I know me and I know that filters do not work for me.

I have had the acct program on my laptop for about 15 months now and my cell phone for just over a year.  I didn't put it on my phone because I had never used my phone for porn.  I did use my iPad but once my husband found out he sold it.  I ended up putting it on my phone when it was all I had to use to get to porn.  So after that I put the program on it.

For me the accountability program works.  I know that my acct partners will get alerts if I get on anything that I shouldn't and that includes texts, apps, emails.....even this blog could send out an alert due to the words I am using in here.  They also know that if I shut the program off then I am not doing it for any good reason and to check in.

I find that not only do I not look at porn but I am careful about what sites I go to and even links that could have any little thing that would send an alert.  That is how this has helped me.  I do watch for key words that could send an alert and if I think it will I will not click on the site.  I feel that it is helping me avoid even the "little" things that can trigger me to go even further.

It has been just over a year since I last looked at porn and that is a huge victory for me.  I told my husband that I think the last time I went a year without porn was probably the year before we got the internet and I don't even know if that is accurate.

I am thankful for my accountability program and for my acct partners, all part of what helps keep me sober (at least in that area).

Link to website for the program I use is: https://secure.accountable2you.com/