Why do I keep trying to find alternatives to PMOing?

Yeah you are. Stop being desperate for it.

 

Yes, because you brain craves the dopamine release that comes from sexual stimulation any way it can get it.

ACTIVATE: HARD MODE

 

Alternative to PMO is having sex with actual people.

 

yup having sex with genuine connection and intimacy is worth pursuing.. not sure of random hookups..
I would think once our brain craves the dopamine hit it will do anything to trick you..

 

Because sobriety is boring

 

it seems likes at times haha... but have learnt not to take my thoughts too seriously and sleep over whatever is ruminating in my head and it usually works.

 

Same here, you get more "creative" in that sense over time. But this will end given enough time of recovery. Be patient and carry on the fight.

 

The answer to all your problems, mostly

 

Well, let's say it's a good foundation to build your life on

 

It’s called bargaining. It’s a common thing that happens with any addiction as you go through the process to withdraw. You start to try and invent justifications for how you can somehow get access to it without abandoning your stated objective of sobriety.

I experienced it when I quit drugs. I’d get 30 days clean and then try to convince myself why I could indulge in it just once a week on the weekend and not create a problem. I’d come up with tons of different reasons - it’ll help make me less stressed, I’ve built healthy habits that I feel comfortable I can maintain, etc.

Every time I gave in it was only a matter of time until I was back to every day all day use. When I finally kicked it I realized it never ends. I’m more than a year sober now and I know slipping up now would be just as dangerous as at day 30. no different with porn.

the only thing I’d say is I personally think there’s a difference between masturbating without porn and with it and the former isn’t necessarily a problematic behaviour as long as it’s done in moderation. But if it can’t be done without leading you back to porn, then it should be avoided just the same.