Masturbation / Question
Published: May 14, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm well aware that masturbation has no damaging effects contarary to what some people say. However, I have been masturbating nearly every day for a little over a year and I think I'm addicted psychologically. Is there any way I can quit or reduce the number of times I do it? I don't want to let it get to the point where I'll do it at school or on the job.
Signed: Addicted Psychologically To Masturbation
Dear Addicted Psychologically To Masturbation,
You are right - masturbation does not have any damaging physical side effects. TeenHealthFX thinks that your concern that you're addicted to masturbation psychologically is valid. An addiction is defined as "being habitually or compulsively occupied with or involved in something" (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition). Although many people know about addictions to substances like alcohol, drugs and cigarettes, people can and do get addicted to certain behaviors.
It sounds as though you believe that masturbation has become an addiction for you and that you think you will be unable to stop doing it when you need to. If you are worried that you will masturbate in inappropriate places, like work or school, then you need to reach out for professional help. A professional can help you understand and modify your behavior so that it doesn't control you. You can ask your doctor or guidance counselor for the name of a therapist. If you live in northern NJ, you can call the Access Center for Behavioral Health at (888) 247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto United States Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area.
You can check out what concerns other teens have about masturbation by checking out the rest of our masturbation category.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Among young people ages 12-17, prescription drugs have become the second most abused illegal drug, behind marijuana.
