I have fought a quite similar battle with the pron for quite sometime. To me its an escape mechanism, like most mental addictions seem to be if you dig deep enough. When I’m stressed out, anxious and have insurmountable problems facing me, porn has been my drug of choice to let me feel good just for a little. Once I realized this, I was able to start making changes to the causes of the stress and anxiety. Some of my issues were money related, so I took steps to reduce my monthly payments by selling my luxury items and living more efficiently. It sounds goofy, but going through my belongings and tossing out all the things I’ve been hanging onto for no reason was freeing as well. I quit drinking coffee as soon as I wake up and that has helped immensely.
Momentum seems to play a big role in whether I use the habit or not. For example, If I make plans before bed to start my next day with productive activities like running and meditating I tend to carry this momentum for most of the day.
If I don’t have any plans for the day, think of what to do with my time, the first thought is “let’s watch porn, it feels good”. This argument will win because I haven’t yet thought of a better idea.
Another way of putting it is, fapping to porn is a short term activity. It takes little work and has instant payoff. If you think about it most other addictions or bad habits are the same. Easy, instant payoff.
For me, getting into more productive activities takes long term thinking, planning and goal setting.
Long term thinking = long term activities
Short term thinking = short term activities
Don’t get me wrong I still break down and fap to porn way too much but I try not to get anxious and stressed out over it when I do because that leads back into the vicious cycle.
Also, I’m pretty young and can only go about 3 days before the wet dreams start. So one way or another I’ll have to get a nut before that.
Hope this helps