I’m a 27-year-old Muslim and I’ve been struggling with pornography and masturbation addiction. I managed to quit for three months, but I relapsed and am now trying to quit again. Today is my third day, and I feel discouraged and frustrated.For those who have overcome a similar addiction, what helped you stay consistent after a relapse? How do you avoid losing motivation when you slip up?Also, what do you do when the urges become very strong? How do you deal with cravings in the moment without giving in? Any practical strategies that actually worked for you?
Seconding this with caveats.
Masturbation is normal, natural and healthy (reduces the risk of prostate cancer in men). Unless it isn’t, it’s not healthy when it is an addiction and masturbation is getting in the way of life. If you’re not seeing friends or missing work or school because you’d rather watch porn and jerk off then that’s a problem. A therapist would be the best person to talk to about that if you do have an addiction.
If you’re just masturbating a few times a week then carry on, enjoy yourself and don’t feel guilty.