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Do they really evaporate, as in disappear, or is it that the prospect of having to confess the sin if you go on and commit it adds enough discouragement to help you overcome the temptation?

From a psychological perspective, I can't say for sure one way or the other for sure. But theologically, from a Catholic perspective, temptation literally evaporates, because the act of Confession releases the person from the bondage of the sin. Sin has a way of becoming entrenched and habitual. I find that Confession releases me from the habituation or entrenchment of the sinful behavior, in ways that did not work for me prior to going to Confession, including therapy.

This is a little personal -- but I will go ahead and share it. I had been addicted to pornography for a long time. When I started going to Confession and confessing the pornography, I started to literally lose interest in porn. It just started to become boring and uninteresting to me. I'd even go to a porn site and find myself wandering to a non-pornographic site out of boredom. That just seems to be a special grace, and from my personal experience, did not flow from a fear of having to confess the sin again. Obviously I had already screwed up by going to the porn site. The amazing thing is that the desire and motivation to stay there was gone! Amazing.

“This is a little personal — but I will go ahead and share it. I had been addicted to pornography for a long time. When I started going to Confession and confessing the pornography, I started to literally lose interest in porn. It just started to become boring and uninteresting to me. I’d even go to a porn site and find myself wandering to a non-pornographic site out of boredom. That just seems to be a special grace, and from my personal experience, did not flow from a fear of having to confess the sin again. Obviously I had already screwed up by going to the porn site. The amazing thing is that the desire and motivation to stay there was gone! Amazing.”

You’re one brave individual. Thanks!!! I haven’t been hooked on porn, always a good idea to say - yet - but ask me about ETOH...

I find that Confession releases me from the habituation or entrenchment of the sinful behavior.

This may have to do with the "accountability" factor. You know you have made a decision to go to confession and chances are, you may see the same priest again. This is the same accountability spoken of when we are told to "confess our sins one to another".

Sin breaks our fellowship with God, we feel guilty, we feel weird about praying because we know God knows all things and nothing is hidden from his sight. I also can approach my Heavenly Father directly in confessing my sins and accepting His forgiveness.

I remember as a Roman Catholic-raised kid hoping if I died, it was after Saturday confession and before I blew it again. I now know that I am saved by grace through faith. Through the love and mercy of God and not by any good works I could ever do. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses me from all sin. My sorrow for my sins and confession to God comes from a deep need to reconnect with Him out of love and gratitude for what He has done for me.