When you decide to quit, your first instinct is usually: “I need to block this stuff.” So you download a blocker. You feel safe. And then, 3 days later, you find a loophole, disable the VPN, or use a different browser, and you relapse.
Why does this happen? It happens because you confused Restriction with Recovery.
1. The Blocker (The Wall)
What it does: Prevents access to specific URLs or keywords.
- Pros: Stops accidental exposure; makes scrolling harder (adds friction).
- Cons:
- Easy to bypass: If you are the admin of your own phone, you can always unlock it.
- Doesn’t fix the urge: Blocking the site doesn’t stop you from wanting it. It just makes you frustrated.
2. The Recovery App (The Teacher)
What it does: Teaches you how to handle urges, tracks your progress, and rewires your habits (e.g., Reset).
- Pros:
- Root Cause: Addresses the stress, boredom, or loneliness driving the addiction.
- Long Term: Teaches skills you keep forever.
- Cons: Requires active participation (journaling, learning).
The Verdict: You Need Both (But Recovery Wins)
Think of it like dieting.
- A Blocker is like locking your fridge. It works… until you get hungry enough to break the lock or drive to McDonald’s.
- A Recovery App is like a nutrition coach teaching you how to eat healthy so you don’t want the junk food anymore.
Recommendation
Use a blocker as your “airbag”—it’s there to save you in a crash. But use a Recovery App (like Reset) as your “steering wheel”—it keeps you on the road so you don’t crash in the first place.
Don’t just blindfold yourself. Teach yourself to see clearly.
