Feed the Right Wolf

Alright guys, I want to get back into the recovery process, and I'm stuck on ERP.

So I understand what I'm supposed to do generally. I'm to visualize a tempting situation, then monitor my physiological symptoms like heart rate and breathing, breath deeply, read my affirmations, and finally go do something healthy. I understand it, and the theory behind it, but I have a problem in the visualization stage.

I can't seem to visualize anything realistic enough! Everything and anything i tried to think of never got me anywhere NEAR to the feeling I have when I'm legitimately tempted to act out and watch. I tried a few times and I don't know what it is. Am I just incapable of it? What do you guys do? It's as if my logical brain is always telling me "this is just a fake thought, it's not real, you have a filter, this wouldn't be possible anyway." So I'm not able to "trick my mind" into thinking what I'm imagining is real, and hence I don't know if I can even do the ERP. What do I do?

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Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Hi AICS,

ERP is something that a lot of people have had questions about. Personally I feel like it can be used as a tool when we feel triggered, or are in danger of acting out. I don't think it's a good idea to intentionally try to trigger oneself (I have heard of people justifying looking at pornography so that they can do an ERP exercise and the result was bad). If you don't feel you're in danger because of the filter that's ok, but most people don't want to keep their computer filtered forever. It might be good to try ERP when you are feeling weak or triggered or just when you have any unhealthy sexual thoughts.

Your friend,
Absolution.

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Sobriety Date: October 25, 2011
"Everything comes to us that belongs to us if we create the capacity to receive it."
-Rabindranath Tagore

Ok! Thank you Absolution, Ill try it!

_________________
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Does anyone know the correct link for the ERP checklist? I want to start with that but the link doesn't work. Please help out. I'm working on my 9th day of sobriety and don't want to backslide.

I had the same problem but didnt Alex say to do it when you know your not going to act out and then there's mini ERP is when you do feel triggered and can't do ERP it is still kinda weird even though I've read all the emails sent and done everything these emails have said and all the information Alex has given is correct but still have the same problem

And one mor thing I keep forgetting to do my ERP every day and when I do remember I put it off thinking I will do it later but never do I even set a reminders for it and put it off does anyone know how
to make it fun to do or look frwrd to it

Personally I think ERP can be used when feeling triggered more effectively than when not feeling that way. That way, you don't have to worry about imagining yourself being triggered.

Your friend,
Absolution.

_________________
Sobriety Date: October 25, 2011
"Everything comes to us that belongs to us if we create the capacity to receive it."
-Rabindranath Tagore

Yeah so far my problems still persist. I've had some bad moments. This ERP Stuff is going to rive me crazy, but here i go I'm going to try hard to work through my trouble.

Personally, I think ERP SHOULD be done when you're not triggered so you don't have the chance of actually failing and acting out. I think one should form the habit of ERP ASAP so when the trigger actually happens, it's already formed and the person can help himself better.

I just need to get through my inability to imagine a triggering situation. I followed a lie last week and fell because I thought if I saw stuff i'd be able to practice ERP. REMEMBER guys NEVER fall for that. Nothing ever justifies watching porn, and no, you can't do ERP with it. You'll be lying to yourself.

Here I go I'll keep fighting. I need to continue with this program.

_________________
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20