Do older people have an easier time abstaining?

I think you will be able to succeed at any age that you attempt this because of all the tool (habits and methods) that you learn about on this site and elsewhere. You have to work much smarter if you have a raging libido which can impact men at all ages (read some of the logs of 50 year old guys and you'd think their second brain was a teenager). I do agree that generally it should be easier as you get older for the reasons you state. More skill and maturity creates more successful willpower. Younger guys at max hormonal levels (in my opinion) obviously have a tougher time.

Age aside, a man with a very low natural sex drive would probably have an easier go at making it through a hard mode reboot also.

If you want to take an analytical approach write out the factors as you understand them, then tweak until you are successful. You'll see why age is one factor, and how it fits in with all the other pieces (and yes, I totally agree younger should generally make it harder). Consider it a challenge!

 

Its true to certain extent that, during your teens the hormonal activity is higher. I suppose with proper exercise and discipline these challenges could be overcome.

 

LOL. Rakif when i saw the title about old people i am thinking sure i will be able to contribute to this post. Then i saw that you were referring to people in their 20's and 30's as old. Makes me really feel ancient at 58.

I will say everyone is different in their ability to handle an addiction and everyone is wired different so there is nl set answer. I think that when you are younger your body recovers quicker. That's just physiology.

 

If we're speaking strictly on a hormone / biological level, yes...it makes sense that someone with lower testosterone / general hormonal rage would have an easier time making rational decisions. But more then hormones, its the lack of pre-frontal cortex development that is the biggest difference. It's the most important part of your brain when it comes to rational decision making, and it doesn't fully develop until around age 25. Think about that for a second....your brain isn't at full capacity yet. You are (technically) neurologically INCAPABLE of making fully rational decisions. Assuming you are 18, you still have SEVEN years before your brain is technically at full capacity for rational thought. It's why you see people whom as younger adults you swear could never be a mature adult kind of just flip a switch out of no where and turn into a laid back rational person. It's that pre-frontal cortex development.

However none of this is to say you can't do it. Don't be fooled into thinking any of this is easy for anyone. If there is a lesson I could pass onto younger people it's that NOTHING comes easy man. Get used to this process. Life is a never ending string of challenges and struggles... but that's what makes it fun. You are always getting better and figuring yourself out more and more. But it never ends. The second you solve one problem, another one pops up. It's overwhelming at times but is a reminder that this existence if a process, not a destination. You've done well to be aware you have a problem at such a young age. I commend you for that. You're going to fail but keep getting back on the train.

Also, please don't confuse your bodies natural attraction to women (or men if thats what your into) with porn and masturbation. The latter is the problem. There is nothing wrong with you looking at and appreciating the beauty of whatever sex your into. Enjoy that, and experience it. There is a difference.


Godspeed, young one!