Is willpower effective in overcoming masturbation addiction?

you have no will power

 

It's normal to masturbate, but it is not normal anymore if you do this more than a week. It's not a healthy to your mind and body anymore.

 

My advice to you is to keep yourself busy, make plans, spend time around people and commit to goals. People usually daydream when they are bored or uninterested in what they are doing. Try to avoid that. Also, go on NO PMO streaks. That should clear your head more.
Good luck

 

Will power is a finite resource (contrary to popular belief) and relying on pure willpower alone will lead to failure. The most beneficial strategy is to replace your habit with a distraction. You need to work out what will work for you but it could be a walk, workout, read, listen to music etc.

It sounds like you use PMO as a form of escapism (as most addicts do) and so you should be able to find another habit which gives the same degree of escapism.

 

Will power is no more than rational desire. Your rational desire has woken up but is still feeble compared to your natural desire/ urge. Think of a certain quantity of energy. That has to move from your natural desire/ urge into your rational desire.

There will be times when you fail, but then there will be a tipping point, where you finally gain control. As others have said, you need to find activities that feed in to your rational desire that also serve to starve your urge.

 

I think awareness that MO is a problem is the first step. Learning to change your thought patterns is one thing to consider. Try to be aware of your triggers so you can develop a strategy to resist them or head them in another direction. Start a daily journal, if you haven't already done so, and increase your awareness of what's going on in your mind and body and emotions. These are things that I'm trying. Also, finding an accountability partner or two that you can commit to being honest with. For me it's more than just will power. It's deciding to do whatever it takes to change.

Make the decision Keep getting back up after each fall. Forgive yourself. Welcome to the Race. It's a marathon.

 

You have created a habit loop for your brain. It notices a trigger, runs a routine and gets a reward. You cannot avoid the triggers, but you can replace the routine and substitute the reward. This will break the habit loop. So when you notice yourself start to daydream, get up and do some squats or pushups (it is nearly impossible to maintain an erection when squatting). This will replace the habit routine, and your body will still get a reward. I know it sounds like hard work - but it is worth it.

If you want to learn more, read 'The Power of Habit' by Duhigg. Helped me immensely.

Talking helps - find someone you can talk through your challenges with. Journalling helps - I call it my 'Shitty First Draft' right down the rambling thoughts in your brain - then re-read them later. You will be suprised how much good stuff in in there.

Good luck.