Day 5, first time visitor.

I don't think I've ever been as serious and willing to stop masturbating until now.
I'm 25 years old, and I've been doing it since I was 9 or 10. I believe it was my first symptom of addiction in my life. From very near the beginning of it, I had a strong feeling that I shouldn't be doing it as much as I was. I'd try to stop but could never seem to follow through with it.
Today, I recently got involved in a 12 step program which focuses on recovery from addiction from substances, and I realize now more than ever how strongly my addiction is released through my sexual/pornography/masturbation addiction. I don't want to trade one addiction for another.
(I'm not trying to bring the topic of drugs into the situation, but it's just a big part of my experience that feels connected to my experience with masturbation. Addiction, to whatever I may be addicted to.

I really want to give myself a chance to learn more about myself, whether I like myself or not. I suppose that's the only way I'll be able to figure out any change.
I also want to change the way I feel about women and sexuality. I don't pursue sexual relationships, largely because I feel like I can just get what I need from masturbating. This keeps me isolated and closed off from people.
My goal isn't to avoid sex, but I don't intend to have sex until I have a healthy situation with someone who I really care about. I don't see that happening any time soon, so I guess I'm in what they call "hard mode." No sexual outlet whatsoever.

This is only my fifth day without doing anything. I'm still involuntarily obsessed with ideas frequently through out the days, but I really hope I can make some progress this time. I had felt like giving up at it just within the hour, but I decided to come research this site instead, and it's really encouraging to know that so many other people value this endeavor also. Thanks!