Masturbation Addiction: Signs, Causes and Treatment Options
Author:
Jonathan
Clinical Review by:
Published:
Aug 10, 2024
,
01:45 p.m.
ET
Updated:
Sep 16, 2024
,
02:22 p.m.
ET
Masturbation is a healthy and pleasurable activity for some people. But compulsive masturbation is a serious problem that can lead to addiction. Masturbation becomes a concern when the individual has the urge to compulsively masturbate, especially in public places.
Masturbation addiction is a subset of sexual addiction. This behavioral addiction can also attract the 72 million users who look at porn each month. Forty-two percent of internet users admitted to looking at porn, while 8% of Americans struggle with sex addiction. Excessive masturbation can also be a sign of sex addiction. But this guide will focus on masturbation addiction.
What is a Masturbation Addiction? Is it real?
Experts and scientists have debated whether masturbation addiction is real. Neither the DSM-5 nor the APA have recognized it as an official mental health condition. However, some experts warned that compulsive masturbation can cause relationship problems, stress, guilt, and shame.
Masturbation is a healthy way for most individuals to explore their sexuality. It’s not always addictive, at first. Masturbation becomes an addiction when it feeds off the dopamine loop that triggers the brain to seek pleasure. Even if it's not a diagnosed condition, masturbation can become compulsive or excessive, and the behavior can get out of control.
Masturbation addiction has fallen under the same umbrella as sex addiction and porn addiction. These behavioral addictions share the same characteristics. Sexual addiction is also referred to as compulsive sexual behavior.
Signs of Masturbation Addiction: Healthy Behavior or Problem?
Most individuals have a desire for self-pleasure, which is normal and natural. Engaging in masturbation every so often doesn't indicate that you have an addiction. The following signs could suggest that it's time to seek help for masturbation addiction:
Spend most of your time masturbating or thinking about masturbation
Choosing masturbation over activities, interests, and social gatherings
Engaging in masturbation in public places where you could get caught
Feelings of guilt or shame during or after masturbation
Masturbation to cope with negative thoughts and feelings
Relationships, school, and work-life suffer from compulsive masturbation
Courtesy: Ari Tuckman
Potential Causes of Masturbation Addiction
What are the causes of masturbation addiction? Like sex addiction, there is no known cause for compulsive masturbation. Here are some possible causes of the need to compulsively masturbate:
Emotional distress or trauma that causes the individual to seek addictive sexual behaviors
An individual's brain structure makes them more likely to develop addictive habits like masturbation, according to one study
Undiagnosed anxiety or depression that some individuals cope with masturbation
Unresolved trauma such as neglect, abuse, or assault can cause masturbation addiction
Treatment Options for Masturbation Addiction
If you realize that you struggle with excessive masturbation that you can't overcome, you might want to seek professional help. The first step is to speak with a physician, counselor, or mental health professional. Treatment for masturbation addiction involves talk therapy and medication.
Some individuals might also benefit from group therapy. During therapy, you will determine the cause of your masturbation problem. Therapy could last several weeks or months, depending on the underlying cause and the severity of your addiction.
There is no FDA-approved medication for masturbation addiction. However, a physician might prescribe medication that could help treat the compulsive symptoms. You might also be treated for co-occurring mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
Individuals who struggle with compulsive masturbation might experience low self-esteem and lower sexual satisfaction in their relationships. Some individuals with sex addiction might also struggle with drugs and alcohol. Naltrexone is one example of a medication that helps individuals stay drug- or alcohol-free. It can also help with compulsive masturbation.
Virtual treatment is also available for masturbation addiction. Birches Health has licensed clinicians who are experienced with treating sex and porn addiction. Recovery starts with a free and confidential assessment.
You can take the first step with Birches Health today:
You can email hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with the Birches team right away.
Virtual treatment is beneficial since it's accessible online. It makes it easier for patients to schedule an appointment. Patients can also maintain their anonymity and avoid running into someone they know at the doctor's office. They also don't have to wait at the doctor's office or clinic.
Patients can speak to a clinician in the comfort of their own home. Virtual visits also make it easier to fit mental health into one's schedule. Through virtual treatment, patients have access to counseling, educational resources, and individualized treatment plans.
How Common is Masturbation Addiction?
One study from the International Society of Sexual Medicine found that masturbation problems are more common than intimacy in relationships. The frequency of masturbation in men aged 18 to 59 years old increased from once a week to three times per month.
In that same study, 20% of men admitted to masturbating up to three times per week, while less than 20% of men masturbated over four times per week. Women reported masturbating less than once per week. Some people who masturbate more frequently might not always have a problem.
Some people are hypersexual but don't exhibit signs of sex addiction or masturbation addiction. The number of times that a person engages in self-pleasure varies among individuals. If masturbation becomes a focal point in your life, it's time to speak with a mental health professional.
Avoiding Masturbation Addiction Relapse
As you go through recovery, you might encounter a relapse along the way. You want to ensure you have the right tools and support in place as you work on your recovery journey. Let a trusted friend or family member know how you're feeling.
Asking for help and support is a vital skill you will learn in your recovery. A licensed therapist is another option for getting support. You can also join a support group, such as Sex Addicts Anonymous. According to BrainBuddy, you should keep an eye out for the following factors that could cause a relapse:
Fantasizing about sexual encounters or porn
Insomnia or boredom
Triggers that cause cravings, such as suggestive movies or television shows
Excessive access to a laptop, computer, or smartphone
Periods of abstinence that increase cravings
Do not beat yourself up if you suffer from a relapse. Quitting masturbation can be difficult for most people. Recovery is a process that takes time. Getting support and tools can help you stay motivated. This is integral to preventing relapse. Practicing mindfulness can also help you rewire your brain as you practice healthy sexuality.
Masturbation Addiction & Other Common Co-occurring Issues
Addiction is often intertwined with mental health issues. Some individuals who struggle with masturbation addiction might also struggle with co-occurring disorders. The most common are anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or personality disorder.
According to a study from the Journal of Sex Research, individuals who struggle with sexual compulsion are also more likely to struggle with depression and anxiety than those without the disorder. Substance abuse is often linked to hypersexuality. One condition can lead to another.
Individuals who struggle with substance abuse might use self-pleasure as an escape to distract from their addiction. Alternatively, chronic masturbation can lead to substance abuse to cope with the overwhelming feelings and emotions from compulsive sexual acts.
Sources:
What Is Masturbation Addiction?
