When people hear the term “addiction”, they only think about people who take mind-altering substances such as alcohol and drugs. However, behaviors such as exercise, masturbation, gambling and shopping can also be addicting. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders recently added behavioral addictions to the list of addictions. Even though certain actions do not require the use of chemical substances, they can be just as addictive.
How Masturbation Can Become Addictive
There are two chemicals that can cause an addiction. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that causes you to experience a feeling of pleasure. Endorphins are chemicals that are released when the body is under physical stress. Both dopamine and endorphins are released during masturbation. If these chemicals are frequently released, then they can become addictive.
Dopamine and endorphins make it easier for you to cope with stress. That is why many people masturbate when they are dealing with stress. Many people masturbate to cope with their problems. As a result of this, they do not address the real problem.
Anything that you do in excess can be a bad thing regardless of how innocent it seems. For example, exercise can benefit your health, but if you do too much of it, then it can potentially kill you. Shopping is essential for living, but if you shop too much, then you will end up in debt.
Masturbation can also be harmful. If you masturbate several times per day, then you will likely become addicted to it. Your body may also have a harder time releasing chemicals without masturbating. People may need more stimuli in order to masturbate. That is why many people who are addicted to porn are also addicted to pornography.
A masturbation addiction has similar effects on the brain as a heroin addiction. When your body is craving more dopamine, you will experience the same symptoms that you would if you were a heroin addict. It does not matter whether or not you are consuming a chemical substance.
Am I Addicted to Masturbation?
If you are unable to stop masturbating despite the fact that you have made an effort to, then you are probably addicted to it. You may also be addicted to masturbation if it interferes with your daily activities. You may notice the following signs if you are addicted to masturbation:
You are starting to seek our pornography that is graphic and violent.- Your masturbation habits are causing you to feel shame.
- You are having trouble maintaining relationships because of your addiction
- You are having trouble having sex because you find that masturbation is more pleasurable.
- You find yourself masturbating during inappropriate times such as at work, in public or in your car.
- You have gotten into legal trouble.
- You have trouble managing your time.
- You become sad, angry or frustrated when you cannot masturbate.
- You have trouble completing the activities that you once enjoyed because
Being addicted to masturbation can be frustrating. It can also have a negative impact on your quality of life. However, there is no need to despair if you are addicted to masturbation. There is help available, but admitting that you have a problem is the first step towards getting the help that you need.
You will need to seek out the help of an addiction therapist or specialist. They can teach you how to overcome this problem so that you can get your life back. A therapist may not only help you overcome your addiction, but he or she can also teach you how to prevent other addictions.
