Headaches

Yes it is related. I frequently get headaches that can last days when I'm in the midst of a streak. The science behind this is similar to a caffeine addict getting a headache when they don't get their coffee in the morning. Similar, but not identical. Caffeine opens up certain blood vessels and acts as an anti-inflammatory, so on top of alleviating the headache by remedying the withdrawal itself, caffeine is actually good at relieving headaches on it's own.

It's similar for PMO. An orgasm releases tons of endorphins in your brain, which on top of satisfying the withdrawal cravings, also reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and act as pain-suppressors. Not only are headaches a common symptom of any withdrawal, but your brain strengthens the urge to give into the addiction in the face of programmed stress cues; so any time you've had a particular stress relieved by PMO'ing (including a headache), your brain will fortify that response and the urge to PMO will be stronger the next time you feel that stress. You may be tempted to PMO very strongly when you get headaches, I know I am. You may likewise subconsciously associate the lack of PMO with the experience of that stress, and then the stress will manifest itself or simply be worse when you've managed to stay clean. In this way the brain reinforces its own reward system, and the headache is essentially your brain screaming to have its addiction satisfied. Smokers and alcoholics all experience nearly identical symptoms. My advice; take some tylenol, spend some time not looking at a computer screen, listen to some relaxing music, stay hydrated, and massage the back of your neck at the base of your skull with your fingers. All of these things can help. Just don't give in because of it -- they'll get worse next time if you do.

 

The headaches go away after a while? 'cause they're really bad and never had any kind of this pain in my life before..

 

@Jonasvw I can't speak for everyone, but yes they should go away after a few weeks of being clean. If they're particularly unbearable and focused on one side of your head or the other they may be migraines. I'm not a doctor but I do suffer from migraines myself, and they can be triggered or worsened by any kind of stress (like withdrawal for instance). If you're having migraines which are triggered by that, it may be a good idea to go to a doctor and get them treated as their own issue. Removing that obstacle will only help you in the long run.

 

Thanks for the reply!

 

I've been getting headaches too, and figured it was from withdrawal. The last two days have been brutal. I relapsed today, but the headache remains. It's also very hot here at the moment, which I'm sure is not helping. Hopefully, with sufficient time without PMO, the headaches will go away. If not, I think a trip to the doctor is in order.

 

i used to get these throbbing headaches during the reboot process they used to come and go but then i kept telling myself that if i relapse ill feel horrible and therefore an even worse headache.

 

Two weeks in I feel the headaches now they are bearable though am also Quitting weed 25 days in the headaches come and go