Have I really healed?

[campjac3]

So, After quite a while now I have finally been able to masturbate without fantasizing. I have even had good sex with the girl I have been seeing off and on for about 3 years now. The problem is that even though I can finally say that I feel sexually capable again, I still feel the urge to masturbate frequently and I'll occasionally fantasize about porn. Have I just re-set my body, and I should seek counseling for my old porn habits? Or do you all think I just need to give it more time?

I know that I'm not giving you all that much information, feel free to ask questions. Thanks and all opinions are welcome.

 

[Username]

For how long were you watching porn regularly?
Since when have you been abstaining from it?
What exactly do you expect from counseling in this matter?

 

[qrayzHD]

If you were addicted to porn then it may take years for the cravings to pass, i would say you are healed if you can have successful sex and MO w/o fantasy.

 

[pjerry]

I haven't gotten rid of porn yet but I can share from my experience with substance addictions. There is a possibility that it will never go away. I stopped smoking six to seven years ago. I still occasionally feel the need to smoke or imagine myself with a cigarette. It occurs about two to three times a year. Same with alcohol and weed. I stopped doing that almost exactly three years ago and I still miss the taste of beer and wine or the "relaxed" athmosphere of smoking a joint.

As far as I know, in psychology, there is no such thing as healing from addiction. They have a different term for it but I forgot. It basically describes the state of being not dependent anymore. However, it includes the risk of relapse. With addiction, relapse is possible even years after recovery. In other words, as long as you stay away from porn, you should be fine.

To end on a positive note: It sounds a lot like you have recovered from the damage and it is not anymore a huge factor. This is already a lot.

Cheers

 

[Mbg]

^^this!!!

I agree absolutely.  I don't anyone is ever healed from addiction.  Addiction is a disease of the mind which has less to do with the substance or behavior, but more to do about the individual.  Many millions of people can view porn or consume alcohol in a seemingly healthy or non-compulsive way, but for someone who is an addict healthy use of these drugs is not likely possible.  I have been in sex addicts anonymous for close to 6 and still the urges to use porn are strong.  I've come to terms that in order to live a healthier life I have to dedicate my life each day to perpetual recovery. 

 

[campjac3]

Thanks for the replies everyone, the encouragement is very helpful. username, I had been consistently watching and masturbating (6-7 days of the week) to porn for about 6 years (Since I was 14). And I have obstained from porn for over 6 months. Masturbating rarely. As far as counseling goes I'm not really sure what to expect

 

[Username]

Making up for six years with six months seems a bit unbalanced, doesn't it?
Six months is amazing, that's for sure. Just keep it that way, as pjerry and Mbg said. I don't see much sense in seeking professional help when there is no urgent need to. Fantasizing about porn or feeling triggered is no signal of a setback, in any case. Our brains are so crammed with that crap that everything else would be nothing but a miracle. Resisting the urges is key here, you know all of that.
But then again, you know yourself best, of course.

 

[campjac3]

I suppose I just expected for everything to be fixed at one point. I mean I have reset, but I'm sure that you guys are right in that the urges will Never fully go away. Thanks for the replies.

 

[transit]

hey, i red elsewhere on the forum that you suffered from blue balls. I really want to ask you some questions  about it. 10 days in my reboot i have this really strong feeling, not really pain in my prostate and my balls. Even though i had O with my gf 10 hours earlier. (My only orgasm so far)

It's really anoying and prevents me from sleeping. How long did you have it? When did it occur? Share me some information please.