What to expect when you quit

Had a client ask me yesterday: "Devin, what should I actually expect when I quit? Like, what's really going to happen?"

Great question.

Because most guys go into this blind, and when they hit the inevitable rough patches, they think something's wrong and end up relapsing.

So let me give you the real timeline. No sugarcoating.

Days 1-7: The Honeymoon Phase

First week usually feels pretty good, actually.

You're motivated. You've made the decision. You feel like you're finally taking control.

Your brain hasn't fully realized what's happening yet, so the withdrawal symptoms are usually mild.

Some guys get lucky and cruise through this period feeling great.

Others start feeling restless, maybe a bit irritable. But nothing too crazy.

Don't let this fool you into thinking it's going to be easy the whole way through.

Days 7-21: Welcome to Hell Week(s)

This is where it gets real.

Your brain has figured out that its favorite dopamine source has been cut off, and it's NOT happy about it.

You might experience:

• Intense cravings that feel almost physical
• Brain fog that makes you feel like you're thinking through molasses
• Mood swings that would make a teenager jealous
• Insomnia or weird sleep patterns
• Zero motivation for anything
• Anxiety or depression-like symptoms

This is completely normal. Your dopamine receptors are downregulated from years of overstimulation, and they need time to heal.

I tell my clients: "This is your brain throwing a tantrum because you took away its favorite toy."

The key is knowing this is temporary. It WILL pass.

Days 21-60: The Rollercoaster

Things start to stabilize, but it's not linear.

You'll have good days where you feel amazing - clear-headed, energetic, confident.

Then you'll have bad days where you feel like you're back at square one.

This is normal too. Healing isn't a straight line.

Around day 30-45, many guys experience what's called a "flatline" - basically zero libido, zero energy, feeling emotionally numb.

Don't panic. This is your brain recalibrating. It's actually a good sign that healing is happening.

Days 60-90: The Light at the End

This is where most guys start to feel consistently better.

The brain fog lifts. Energy returns. Motivation comes back naturally.

You start noticing you can focus better, sleep better, feel more confident in social situations.

Your natural libido starts returning - but in a healthy way, not the compulsive way it was before.

Beyond 90 Days: The New You

This is where the real benefits kick in.

Mental clarity that you probably haven't felt in years.

Stable energy throughout the day.

Better relationships because you're actually present.

Increased confidence and self-respect.

Natural motivation to improve other areas of your life.

The Reality Check

Here's what I wish someone had told me when I started:

It's going to suck sometimes. And that's okay.

You're going to want to quit. That's normal.

Your brain will try to convince you that "just once" won't hurt. Don't listen to it.

The timeline varies for everyone. Some guys feel better in 30 days, others need 6 months. Depends on how long and how heavily you've been using.

The benefits compound over time. The longer you stay clean, the better it gets.

What Actually Helps

Based on working with hundreds of guys through this process:

1. Know what to expect (which is why I'm writing this)
2. Have a plan for urges - don't wing it
3. Work on the underlying emotional triggers - boredom, stress, loneliness
4. Fill the void with healthier activities
5. Get support - don't try to do this alone

The Bottom Line

Quitting porn is like getting off any other drug. There's going to be withdrawal. There's going to be discomfort.

But unlike other drugs, the withdrawal from porn won't kill you or cause serious medical problems.

It's just uncomfortable. And temporary.

Every single guy I've worked with who's made it through the first 90 days has told me the same thing:

"I wish I'd done this years ago."

The temporary discomfort is nothing compared to the long-term benefits of getting your life back.

Your brain wants to heal. You just have to give it the chance.

And if you need help navigating this process, that's exactly what I'm here for.