Decoding information using error-correcting codes includes, in one aspect, receiving transmitted information that includes original information coded using an error correction coding technique, and using at least one processor to iteratively decode the transmitted information to correct transmission errors and determine the original information. The iterative decoding includes, in response to becoming trapped in a trapping set, adjusting information used in the iterative decoding and using the adjusted information to break the trapping set and continue the iterative decoding.