I need help. Its embarrassing but I want to stop being addicted to adult videos and quit masturbatio. I’ve tried so much and nothing works, please help
Dear @Dan1
Thank you for reaching out and being brave enough to share what you’re going through. Addressing addiction to adult videos and trying to quit masturbatn can feel rather challenging and there are many different strategies you can explore.
Before I share more on what you can do, let’s first normalise masturbatn. It’s important to acknowledge that masturbatn to relieve sexual energy is a healthy and natural aspect of human sexuality for many individuals. Just like eating or sleeping, masturbatn can be a healthy way to explore your body, relieve stress, and experience pleasure. It’s essential, however, to practise it with privacy and respect for laws and social norms.
However, like any behaviour, when it becomes excessive or starts to interfere with your daily life and responsibilities, it can become problematic. If it becomes a habit driven by boredom or stress management, there are other more effective strategies to address these underlying issues. Just as moderation is key in many aspects of life, finding a balance that respects your physical and emotional well-being is essential. Remember, seeking support and exploring healthier coping mechanisms can help you navigate these challenges with resilience and self-care.
Before you consider the following steps, please take a moment to reflect and determine whether your challenge lies in accepting that you enjoy masturbatn, which is a normal aspect of human sexuality, or if it has become excessive and is negatively impacting other aspects of your life. Here are some self-reflective questions:
- How do I feel about my masturbatn habits?
- Do I notice any negative impacts on other areas of my life due to my masturbatn habits?
- Have I experienced any guilt or shame surrounding my masturbatn habits?
- Do I feel in control of my masturbatn habits, or do they sometimes feel compulsive or out of my control?
- Have I noticed any changes in my mood, energy levels, or relationships that may be related to my masturbatn habits?
If it is indeed having a negative impact on your quality of life, then here are some options for you to consider:
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Identify Triggers: Start by identifying what triggers your urge to watch adult videos or masturbte. It could be boredom, stress, loneliness, or certain environments. Knowing your triggers can help you manage them better.
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Set Goals and Limits: Set clear and realistic goals for yourself. You could start by reducing the frequency gradually instead of stopping abruptly. For example, if you watch adult videos every day, try cutting down to every other day, then continue to reduce the frequency.
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Find Healthy Alternatives: Replace the habit with healthier activities. Engage in hobbies, exercise, read, or spend time with friends and family. Keeping yourself busy with positive activities can help reduce the urge.
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Seek Professional Help: Sometimes, seeking professional support and guidance is necessary. Consider reaching out to a sexual health educator, counsellor, or clinical sexologist who specialises in sexual health. They can offer tailored support and provide you with various strategies, such as sensate focus and positive sex education, to help address your concerns effectively.
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Use Technology: There are apps and software available that can help you block access to adult sites. Setting these up on your devices can help you avoid temptation.
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Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself during this process. It’s normal to have setbacks, but don’t let them discourage you. Recognise your efforts and progress, no matter how small.
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Stay Accountable: Share your goals with a trusted friend or family member who can help keep you accountable. Having someone to talk to can make a big difference.
Overcoming addiction is a journey and it takes time. It’s important to understand that addiction doesn’t mean the person has a problem; rather, it suggests that the choice of coping with uncomfortable emotions is what brings about addiction, and not the person themselves. By addressing these underlying emotions and finding healthier coping mechanisms, you can reclaim control of your life and well-being. You’re not alone in this journey, and there is hope for a brighter and healthier future ahead.
I hope the above has been helpful and if you’d like more resources or if there is anything else you’d like to share with us, please do. We’re here to listen to you, your feelings are valid and you matter!
Take care,
CoolBreeze =)
Thanks for being so brave to share, @Dan1. It takes a lot of courage to be open. I’m curious, what do you mean by being addicted - how does that affect your day-to-day life?
Maybe @Simplytrue might be able to share some insights about addiction too
well I stay up trying to find the “perfect adult video” and even on a day before a big exam. Then the next day I’ll end up super tired and wasted, resulting in a drop of grades as well. Even when I’m revising I get urges and distracted and end up doing the thing again
Are there any triggers that you’ve observed? It could be certain times of the day, feelings of stress, boredom, or particular websites. Understanding your triggers can help you manage them.
Side note, is there ever a “perfect adult video”? Maybe if you can manage expectations around that, can just get off and done with so you can focus on other stuff like your exams