Overcome Masturbation Addiction: How To Recover
Authored by María José Petit-Rodríguez
Reviewed by David Levin
Masturbation is a natural human activity associated with safe sexual behavior, enabling more pleasurable sexual practice and leading to better body awareness, enhancing sexual agency, boosting self-esteem and minimizing sexual issues, which can start as early in life in most children before 2 years of age.
Yet, as with any pleasurable activity promoted by feel-good hormones, masturbation can get out of control and become compulsive or addictive for some individuals. Excessive masturbation can interfere with daily tasks, relationships and well-being.
Continue reading to learn about the signs, causes and best therapies to overcome masturbation addiction and regain control of your life.
Table Of Contents:
Why Does Masturbation Addiction Occur?
Understanding the medical manifestations of masturbation addiction requires an examination of the interaction between psychological, biological and social factors such as:
Psychological Factors
- Masturbation may serve as a way to cope with anxiety, stress or other difficult emotions
- Masturbation could be a means to regulate mood or deal with psychological distress
- The reinforcing nature of pleasure associated with masturbation can lead to addiction
Biological Influence
- Changes in hormonal levels (i.e., high levels of testosterone) can influence sexual desire and behavior
- The release of dopamine and endorphins during masturbation can reinforce a cycle of dependence
Social and Cultural Factors
- Upbringing in environments where masturbation is taboo or stigmatized may lead to guilt or shame
- Some societies encourage and accept excessive masturbation
Self-Help Tips to Overcome Masturbation Addiction
The best strategy for this addiction is a holistic approach, acknowledging masturbation is a natural activity that needs to be regulated when out of control.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to breaking free from this behavior:
Reset Your Mindset
Don’t feel ashamed or inadequate. Always remember that experiencing sexual urges is a natural aspect of being human. Avoid dwelling in despair and instead focus on constructive actions to address the addiction.
Remove Triggers
Take proactive steps to remove pornographic content from your surroundings and try to control access to it. Identify your triggers and soft spots of temptation and switch to alternative activities during those weak times.
Reduce Time Alone
Limit solo time by pursuing social interactions and participating in activities in public settings. By minimizing opportunities for isolation, you can decrease the likelihood of giving in to the urge to masturbate.
Find Hobbies
Redirect your energy towards creative pursuits such as writing, playing an instrument or engaging in physical exercise. By channeling your focus into productive activities, you can reduce the desire for masturbation.
Practice Persistence
Understand that overcoming addiction is a gradual process that requires commitment and patience. Rather than becoming discouraged by setbacks, celebrate your progress, recognize little progress, and keep moving forward.
Embrace Healthy Habits
Implement a balanced lifestyle by maintaining a nutritious diet and including regular exercise in your routine. Make modifications to your nighttime habits, such as wearing additional clothing, to reduce stimulation and control the urge to masturbate.
Professional Treatment to Overcome Masturbation Addiction
If, after implementing self-help tips, the addiction continues, consider seeking support professional help. The options are:
Counseling and Support Groups
Support groups foster a supportive environment to overcome the addiction without judgment, and typically, they offer a 12-step approach. These support groups are:
- Sexaholics Anonymous (SA)
- Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA)
- Sexual Compulsive Anonymous (SCA)
Medication
While no FDA-approved drugs target compulsive sexual behaviors, some medications can help with this addiction:
- SSRIs, especially for patients with co-occurring psychiatric disorders
- Naltrexone to reduce cravings and urges
- Mood stabilizers like Lithium and Valproic acid for patients with bipolar disorder
- Anti-androgens (medroxyprogesterone acetate or cyproterone acetate) to lower testosterone levels
Therapy
Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational enhancement therapy help in modifying thoughts and behaviors associated with addiction, promoting healthier coping mechanisms and self-regulation.
Literature
Titles like How to Stop Masturbating (The Easy Way) by James Smith offer insights into overcoming addiction, offering professionals additional support and guidance and practical strategies for addiction recovery.
Symptoms of Masturbation Addiction
To accurately diagnose an individual with masturbation addiction, at least 3 of the below signs and symptoms of masturbation addiction need to be present in a 12-month period:
- Engaging in masturbation excessively, interfering with daily activities, relationships or responsibilities
- Constantly thinking about or planning masturbation sessions
- Difficulty controlling the frequency of masturbation, despite efforts to cut down or stop
- Hiding or lying about masturbation habits and feeling shame or guilt
- Using masturbation as a coping mechanism to deal with stress, anxiety, depression
- Evidence of skin irritation, chafing, or abrasions on the genitals
- Mood swings or emotional instability, particularly when attempting to stop
- Feeling ashamed or guilty about masturbation habits
- Diminished self-esteem due to perceived failure to control the behavior
- Conflicts or difficulties in intimate relationships, neglecting partner needs
- Withdrawing from social activities or spending excessive time alone
- Negative consequences in work or school due to preoccupation with masturbation
Health Risks of Masturbation Addiction
While science describes the health benefits of masturbation, excessive activity can cause various health risks, as outlined in the chart below:
| Health Risks of Masturbation Addiction | Physical Health | Psychological Health | Social Health | Overall Well-being |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genital Irritation | Skin irritation, chafing, abrasions, urticaria | Guilt, shame, low self-esteem | Social withdrawal, isolation | Disrupted sleep patterns |
| Decreased Sensitivity | Reduced genital sensitivity | Emotional dependence | Stigmatization | Negative self-image |
| Repetitive Strain Injuries | Tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome | Dependence on coping mechanism | Impact on work/education | Difficulty in seeking help |
| Guilt and Shame | – | Conflicts with personal beliefs | – | – |
| Dependence | – | Poor development of coping strategies | – | – |
| Relationship Strain | – | Conflict, misunderstandings | – | – |
Overcome Masturbation Addiction − Key Takeaways
The accessibility of the internet has led to a rise in masturbation addiction due to the easy access to pornography and cybersex. Parents and adults must be mindful of online interactions and strive for a healthy balance with real life.
Healthcare professionals should approach masturbation addiction diagnosis with an open mind, considering family history, nutrition, habits and mental health for better long-term recovery. If your addiction worsens over time, seek professional help as soon as possible.
People Also Ask
Is masturbation addiction real?
Yes, addiction to masturbation is categorized under compulsive sexual behavior disorders (CSBD), on the 11th revision of the ICD-11. So, unfortunately, masturbating addiction is a real condition.
Why am I addicted to masturbating?
Masturbation can be addictive due to the release of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward systems in the brain. Repeated exposure to masturbation creates a reinforcing loop, that turns into a compulsive behavior as the individual seeks the pleasure created by the dopamine surge associated with masturbation.
What happens when you stop masturbating?
Stopping masturbation can lead to changes in both physical and psychological aspects. Physically, you might notice decreased sexual urges and changes in sexual function. Psychologically, mood swings and fluctuations in energy levels are common, with individual experiences varying widely.
How to deal with masturbation addiction?
Recovery from masturbation addiction often involves the help of a professional healthcare provider. They may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy or counseling. Additionally, coping strategies, engaging in support groups, and addressing underlying issues may help people struggling with masturbation addiction.
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Page Sources
- Fischer, N., & Træen, B. (2022). A Seemingly Paradoxical Relationship Between Masturbation Frequency and Sexual Satisfaction. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 51(6), 3151-3167. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-022-02305-8
- Ajlouni, H. K., Daoud, A. S., Ajlouni, S. F., & Ajlouni, K. M. (2010). Infantile and early childhood masturbation: Sex hormones and clinical profile. Annals of Saudi Medicine, 30(6), 471-474. https://doi.org/10.4103/0256-4947.72271
- Rasul, T. F., Schwartz, K. R., Qureshi, F., Eachus, E., & Henderson, A. (2022). The Potential Cutaneous Effects of Pornography Addiction: A Narrative Review. Cureus, 14(12). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.33066
- Castellini, G., Fanni, E., Corona, G., Maseroli, E., Ricca, V., & Maggi, M. (2016). Psychological, Relational, and Biological Correlates of Ego-Dystonic Masturbation in a Clinical Setting. Sexual Medicine, 4(3), e156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2016.03.024
- Rodríguez-Nieto, G., Dewitte, M., Sack, A. T., & Schuhmann, T. (2021). Individual Differences in Testosterone and Self-Control Predict Compulsive Sexual Behavior Proneness in Young Males. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.723449
- George, M., Maheshwari, S., Chandran, S., Rao, S. S., Shivanand, M. J., & Sathyanarayana Rao, T. S. (2018). Psychosocial intervention for sexual addiction. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 60(Suppl 4), S510. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_38_18
