Reclaiming My Dopamine Receptors

[nazonoxa]

Former wanker is going a bit 100%, but in my current depressed state I should be careful about self-medicating with masturbation.

 

[BlueHeronFan]

Former wanker is going a bit 100%, but in my current depressed state I should be careful about self-medicating with masturbation.

Definitely. Masturbation doesn't fix the problem, just hides it for a little bit. And then you have two problems to deal with after. That's a pretty bad deal if you ask me.

Finding other, healthier ways to deal with depression and other negative emotions is really important. That's something I'm working on right now myself.

 

[nazonoxa]

It seems like every minute I have multiple urges to wank. Went for a short (really short) jog to get myself outside.

Not sure how wanking less relates to porn abstention, but perhaps my wanking does go under the label of addiction too. Bad habit at least.

 

[BlueHeronFan]

It seems like every minute I have multiple urges to wank. Went for a short (really short) jog to get myself outside.

Not sure how wanking less relates to porn abstention, but perhaps my wanking does go under the label of addiction too. Bad habit at least.

Yep, it's definitely a part of my addiction. We're reclaiming our dopamine receptors, aren't we? Anything that messes with them is on my "Keep away from it" list.

 

[nazonoxa]

Yep, it's definitely a part of my addiction. We're reclaiming our dopamine receptors, aren't we? Anything that messes with them is on my "Keep away from it" list.

Fair enough. Not wanking couldn't be that difficult.

Still unsure how to see it as an addiction.

If I'm addicted to the feeling of ejaculation, I would have to quit ejaculating for life, and to me that's not an option.

If I'm addicted to the act of self-pleasuring, that's a behavioural addiction, and that's a complicated thing.

Whichever way I can learn to stay away from the act.

 

[Lero]

I've heard some people saying around here that if your masturbation use is for self-medication or "I do this because I abstain from P" then it's not a good thing.

 

[BlueHeronFan]

I've heard some people saying around here that if your masturbation use is for self-medication or "I do this because I abstain from P" then it's not a good thing.

Yeah, definitely. If I'm MOing compulsively in order to deal with stress or something like that, I think that's a recipe for addiction. The goal isn't to never ejaculate again, but to train myself not to need it in the wrong contexts just to deal with life. An orgasm in a stable relationship is one thing, but an orgasm just to get through the day is another thing entirely.

 

[nazonoxa]

I've heard some people saying around here that if your masturbation use is for self-medication or "I do this because I abstain from P" then it's not a good thing.

If I'm MOing compulsively in order to deal with stress or something like that, I think that's a recipe for addiction. The goal isn't to never ejaculate again, but to train myself not to need it in the wrong contexts just to deal with life. An orgasm in a stable relationship is one thing, but an orgasm just to get through the day is another thing entirely.

My wanking feels more like a repeated mistake than a compulsion. Or is that what compulsion is?

Maybe I'm not aware enough how much stress I am feeling. Therefore compulsion feels like a clueless mistake.

Better be mindful and kind to myself.

 

[BlueHeronFan]

Better be mindful and kind to myself.

Always a good idea! I support that 100%

For me, the goal is a stable relationship with an awesome woman. In my view, anything sexual that isn't about building a relationship and is only about making me feel good is a problem. Triggering my dopamine just for the sake of the dopamine seems addictive to me.

 

[nazonoxa]

Tomorrow marks 80 days without video binges, games or porn. Also a week away from wanking. Feeling very alive.

 

[BlueHeronFan]

Congrats! That's awesome progress. Keep it up!