So I have known about nofap and ybop for years now. I've been trying on and off to quit/regulate pmo for at least 3 years now.
I read about 'compulsive masturbation disorder' on google and the first link (http://blogs.psychcentral.com/sex/2012/05/compulsive-masturbation-the-secret-sexual-disorder/) has a list of effects that a masturbation addiction can have on your life. And it describes my life spot on: 1 - Nonexistent or significantly decreased sexual intimacy with others 2 - Social isolation, loneliness 3 - Depression 4 - Anxiety 5 - Relationship problems 6 - Hours, sometimes days, lost to sexual fantasy, porn use, and masturbation 7 - Physical harm to genitalia 8 - Drug use or drug addiction relapse in conjunction with masturbation 9 - Sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction or delayed ejaculation
I am committing now to at least 90 days of hard mode. Maybe 6 months. Because I want that list to be gone from my life.
I'm on day 2 and I have no idea where to start building a PMO-free life. But thats what I need to do if I am going to succeed. Therapists suggest therapy sessions and also a 12 step group. But I don't want to fill the void in my life with a 12 step group and all the things that come along with it. I want to fill it with other things. I just don't know what.
In my opinion, 12 step programs are successful in recovery because they fill a huge void in your life that exists when you quit an addiction. The problem is, they replace it with things that revolve around your addiction. You become part of a community(good) but that community is based around their past addictions(bad). You can volunteer to help others(good) but it will always be people who are dealing with the addiction you faced(bad). You will be busy(good) but you won't be doing much other than going to meetings to beat your addiction(bad).
I recognize to fill the void, but I refuse to fill it with a 12 step program