Hi yidden.

I'm a long time chizuk email reader and occasional poster. Still struggling atrong with my addiction. Last time i posted i was looking for a 12 step or SA group in Jerusalem...that never came to fruition so its definitely still on my list.

Also i have attempted in the past to put a filter on my android phone, but i began experimenting shortly afterward with rooting the phone to gain more control over its features and was able to override the filter, despite someone else havong the password...How can I figure out my technology situation to have it be clean and unbreakable..is it possible? Should I just get a kosher phone?

I am still going strong in my desire to fight this war despite my constant losses, and i often get depressed but I realize I have to conquer this. I just feel alone with it I guess, despite the emails and an occasional glance at the forum. I guess I need real people...idk. hopefully good things come from reaching out more.

Hi,
Although filters are mandatory, they will not be the total solution. Without keeping connected to real live people, we will always find a way to find filth.
Have you tried joining a telephone conference, emailing people, chatting online, and even calling people on the telephone.
I find staying connected AND filttraton is the only thing to help me..and I am still so far away from real sobriety.
i would be happy to communicate via email if you wish. even telephone. send me an email if you wish. pischoshelmachat@gmail.com
You definitely came to the right place for help.

There are groups there, and outside Jerusalem as well.
We always can find ways out; the difficult part is findin' a way in.

Stick around and hatzlachah

Filters are only gedarim, not a cure. I would suggest getting accountability software. And you're right, its super important to reach out to other people for support, and of course, daven to Hashem.

If you can get along without internet/ apps, then why not go with a kosher phone? Also, for me, the accountability and filter together have been wonderful so like shomerbro said, look into that. There are a few options out there, for android. Look around the website for suggestions, too.

simchasearcher wrote:
A filter is just a fence. Those who wish to jump over, dig under, or cut through the fence will always find a way. Fences are helpful, but only if we don't test them. Getting a kosher phone is a great idea. But, if the desire is there, you will find another way to act out. Victory over lust must start much earlier in the process.

Hi simchasearcher,

Andriods in particular are very hard to properly filter. I have already found easier ways to bypass any android filter on accountability software. As everyone else mentioned, the most important is to strengthen oneself, rather than relying on filters. There might be a solution in site with Android Lollipop's new way of setting up user accounts. I haven't had a chance to try it out yet.

p.s. Hope you find simcha soon, but as they say "the fountain of youth is found in the state of mind!"

Hatzlocha Rabbah!!!

qostodio works....if you set it up properly.

the only fool-proof filter is a rectangular box made out of wood

or a workin' oval-shaped one - made out of all types of mush with all sorts of cavities and thistles growin' outta it.