Am I Addicted to Masturbation?

Masturbation is a healthy aspect of human sexuality. It can help people learn about themselves in a sexual way without the pressure of another partner. It can even boost libido, and help you gain confidence in yourself and your sexual abilities. For some, however, masturbation can be a problem. It is possible to be addicted to masturbation.

How do you know if you're masturbation habits are healthy, or if they are starting to become destructive? For starters, look out for compulsive masturbation. If you find yourself masturbating excessively, and are unable to stop, it could be a warning sign. Addicts often use masturbation as a self-soothing mechanism, which can have harmful consequences. Another sign that you are addicted, is if you are unable to stop. If you cannot change your masturbation habits, if you have tried to stop and continue to fall back into the same habits, you could be addicted to masturbating.

A third warning sign of addiction is if you experience negative consequences as a result of your masturbation habits. This could include but are not limited to decreased sexual intimacy with others, relationship problems, isolation, and depression. One thing that is common with sexual addicts, is if they know their behaviors are having a negative impact on them, but they continue to participate in these behaviors.

As I stated in the opening of this post, masturbation can be healthy. In fact, there are some situations in which sexual addict therapists suggest it as a tool for recovery. Keeping that in mind, masturbation is very much a solo act. You are the only one who knows your masturbation habits, and your motives behind these behaviors. If masturbation is beginning to have a negative impact on you, it is time to seek help. Seek therapy, or check out our website at www.freedomeveryday.org for info on support groups, and ways you can begin to help yourself!

References:

"Compulsive Masturbation with or without Porn - The Hidden Side of Sex Addiction" by Robert Weiss http://www.robertweissmsw.com/compulsive-masturbation-with-or-without-porn-the-hidden-side-of-sex-addiction/

"Should Recovering Sex Addicts Masturbate? Here's the Formula" by Birmingham Maple Clinic http://www.birminghammaple.com/10766/mental-health-update/should-recovering-sex-addicts-masturbate-heres-the-formula/