Regarding the flatline, which is just the brain saying “what do I now? Life isn’t fun anymore…”,

The flatline usually happens at about week 3, 4, or 5, but these are just general trends, not laws of nature. It might not even happen for you, but if it does, it will happen after your brain has had enough time away from the hyperstimulus in order to worry that you’re not going back.

For some people it’s more noticeable than for others, because each of our histories with the habit are different so each of our brains are different. Also, our upbringing and genetics determine the uniqueness of our brain.

As the brain adjusts itself to life without pornography, it begins to rewire itself, seeking balance without the constant dopamine spikes from the habit. It starts to create new neural connections and eventually finds pleasure in healthier activities. The flatline phase fades as the brain adapts to a more stable state of functioning, where natural rewards and fulfilment become more noticeable. Over time, the desire for instant gratification weakens, and longer-term benefits such as increased focus, energy, and emotional stability become more evident.

The science on this is still new, so it’s important to approach it with an open mind and be patient with your progress.