Porn Blockers vs. Quit Porn Apps — What’s Better?

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., Essence).

• 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 Essence) 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.